pessimist
Member
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2014
- Messages
- 1,669
No, I'm not asking the existential question: "why are we here"?. Why are we here anyway? "Because our parents had sex, you idiot".
Okay, I digress. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, why are you here on this forum?
I would have to assume that many of the long standing members here were activists who were apart of that organic grassroots movement that rallied around Ron Paul, correct? But why did you continue to stay on this forum?
What about the newer members- why are you here? Why do people seek out forums in the first place? In my observation, I think many can be categorized into groups.
Group A- The Introvert/High IQ/Anxious types. Since introverts derive their energy internally; they are drained by external stimuli. Physical social interaction sucks the energy right out of them. However, they require mental stimulation, and since humans are social animals many introverts seek out forums where they can find the stimulation they require without having to deal with actual physical interaction. Introversion doesn't equate to social awkwardness. Many introverts just PREFER to get their mental stimulation online where they feel the most comfortable.
Extroverts derive their energy externally; physical interaction is fuel for them. However, many extroverts don't feel as comfortable arguing or debating online, especially if they have social anxiety. So I would have to assume that most of the vocal members on forums are introverts. I assume most extroverts use social media.
Group B- Lurkers *waves*. These are types that for whatever reason don't participate- they make up the majority on forums. Why are they here? I don't know. You'll have to ask them.
Group C- Pseudo-intellectuals (they usually have sock puppets to argue with), trolls, bots, spammers, etc. Trolls are hard to categorize; some are sociopaths, some are just bored teenagers, and others are just playful weirdos who aren't really trolls. Deviating from the herd opinion doesn't translate to "trolling".
Group D- the creeps, pervs, and stalkers.
Luckily they are a minority.
Anyway- my point is, the reason people seek out forums are for...a) mental stimulation b) entertainment/amusement. c) activism/"education"/"serious" debate.
Going into hostile territory to argue and stir shit up can be quite stimulating and amusing; it doesn't necessarily mean it's apart of some insidious plot to disrupt or divide and conquer.
Okay, I digress. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, why are you here on this forum?
I would have to assume that many of the long standing members here were activists who were apart of that organic grassroots movement that rallied around Ron Paul, correct? But why did you continue to stay on this forum?
What about the newer members- why are you here? Why do people seek out forums in the first place? In my observation, I think many can be categorized into groups.
Group A- The Introvert/High IQ/Anxious types. Since introverts derive their energy internally; they are drained by external stimuli. Physical social interaction sucks the energy right out of them. However, they require mental stimulation, and since humans are social animals many introverts seek out forums where they can find the stimulation they require without having to deal with actual physical interaction. Introversion doesn't equate to social awkwardness. Many introverts just PREFER to get their mental stimulation online where they feel the most comfortable.
Extroverts derive their energy externally; physical interaction is fuel for them. However, many extroverts don't feel as comfortable arguing or debating online, especially if they have social anxiety. So I would have to assume that most of the vocal members on forums are introverts. I assume most extroverts use social media.
Group B- Lurkers *waves*. These are types that for whatever reason don't participate- they make up the majority on forums. Why are they here? I don't know. You'll have to ask them.
Group C- Pseudo-intellectuals (they usually have sock puppets to argue with), trolls, bots, spammers, etc. Trolls are hard to categorize; some are sociopaths, some are just bored teenagers, and others are just playful weirdos who aren't really trolls. Deviating from the herd opinion doesn't translate to "trolling".
Group D- the creeps, pervs, and stalkers.
Luckily they are a minority.Anyway- my point is, the reason people seek out forums are for...a) mental stimulation b) entertainment/amusement. c) activism/"education"/"serious" debate.
Going into hostile territory to argue and stir shit up can be quite stimulating and amusing; it doesn't necessarily mean it's apart of some insidious plot to disrupt or divide and conquer.
