Why do so many CC posters seek to be smart-alecs rather than helpful?

nickthecoolest · 05-13-2008, 01:32 PM

I'm not going to go on a rant, I actually seek to find an answer to this question.

It seems that CC has become (or is becoming) a center where students feel the constant need to display their intellectual superiority by making smart-alec remarks to honest questions, or poking fun at someone who may not understand something as fully as they do.

Do these people not have enough time to shine in the classroom and so come online to show their great intelligence or are they just naturally ill-mannered?

I thank the parents who, unlike a large portion of students, actually offer sound advice without that urge to be condescending.

So why are there so many smart-alecs (which IMO aren't as smart as would wish to appear)?

tokenadult · 05-13-2008, 01:50 PM

I will move this thread with a redirect in a moment to the Community and Forum Issues Forum, where it is more on-topic. I will leave a redirect in the Parents Forum because I too would like to hear from parents what they think about this subject, as I think was the intention of the original poster when posting to the Parents Forum.

As a moderator (and as a long-time participant on CC), I'll note that the way to reduce the number of nasty, smart-alecky posts is to report any problematic post by using the "report problem post" link that appears at the bottom of any College Confidential forum post. Report each and every problem post, each and every time you see one, through that channel, and then the moderation team can direct its attention to the worst problems. We are always glad to help, and always appreciate whatever any College Confidential participant does to make participation more welcome and to make posts more useful and informative.

hikids · 05-13-2008, 02:00 PM

I am not sure I agree with the op. There are some folks who may give glib answers, but I have gotten reasonable answers. I think some of it is driven by what is asked. Some people set themselves up for it, by not searching, posting in the wrong area, or simply not thinking before they post. I think if it were that pervasive, the moderators would be complaining.

VeryHappy · 05-13-2008, 02:02 PM

My father had a great expression:

"There are more horses a$$e$ in this world than there are horses."

I think the folks who respond with glib comments are the horses a$$e$.

historymom · 05-13-2008, 02:36 PM

adolescence is the heyday period for sarcasm. Here you have some of the best, brightest and most sarcastic. Don't take it personally. Most everyone will out grow it.

maysixxmom · 05-13-2008, 05:46 PM

historymom - ya think?

nickthecoolest · 05-16-2008, 06:51 PM

I am a sarcastic person, but there is a limit to how much sarcasm one can and should utilize. There is a difference between being sarcastic or witty and being just rude and unmannered.

Son of Opie · 05-16-2008, 07:28 PM

I think you're giving a lot of the people posting sarcastic comments more credit than they deserve by saying, "display their intellectual superiority"...

dconcerned · 05-16-2008, 08:51 PM

i totally agree with the op. percentagewise, there might not be a lot of cc posters who think, and that's what they think, they are intellectually superior to others, poking fun at simple questions. there should be better rules to make the debates on cc forums more constructive and benefitting to students.

1) if the posters feel the op is too simple or seems like an idiot's question (you find many use that kind of expression), you have the right to ignore and just leave the forum. there are many more ccers who really want to seek advice and help. give them a benefit of the doubt.

2) some really go over the board to defend their beliefs and their love for a certain school. it's not an intellectual debate; it's an ego-maniac contest. it's not constructive at all and often times can make things go way off the op and its purposes.

3) 'chances me' forums in particular. i find it very distasteful that some posters can really heart-break the OPer and do more harm than good even though they might feel they offer a real help. it's not WHAT YOU SAY but HOW YOU SAY IT. (this does not count those OPers who seem to show off their stats rather than really seeking help.

4) postings on rankings should be mentioned. if posters do not study or understand the methodology or creteria used for the rankings survey, or any research summary results for that matter, they should not launch a violent verbal attack. the OPer if possible should give a clear brief summary on the methodology/creteria, results and point out what the op asks for, to avoid confusion and unnecessary attacking disputes.

5) i think cc should have a rule asking for a respect for a silent majority. most, nearly all, of the forums have about 5%10% replies compared to a silent majority of 90%95% who may opt to be simply an observer, a silent participant, or a bit intimidated by those supposedly superior ccers. maybe they see the poor guys being attacked and they themselves feel intimidated. for whatever reason, they make up a silent majority and for that, we should give some respect.

just a reminder, don't forget nobody is too clever to learn anything. cc forums are give and take, it's a learning process. one can always learn from one another.

brillar · 05-27-2008, 04:33 PM

I don't know, I've actually seen parents being relatively rude to students. I think it might have something to do with the "I have more experience than you, I'm older, therefore I know more and you know nothing" sort of attitude. I appreciate their knowledge and experience, but some people take it so far as to think they can name call and start fights and it's in their rights because they have "more experience."

Shrinkrap · 05-27-2008, 04:46 PM

I sometimes wonder if it's not just the psychology of forums. I find it to be a problem in more than one forum I frequent.

The Online Disinhibition Effect

Psychology of Cyberspace

Son of Opie · 05-27-2008, 04:59 PM

Anybody remember the ending of "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"?

elizlan · 06-03-2008, 04:55 PM

I think some are stressed and take it out on others. For example, there was a certain poster after the APs that was repeatedly insulting to everyone, and I think he knows who he is >: (

He got angry at anyone that predicted they did well and took all general posts personally. But he had also been rejected recently from his first-choice so that's probably part of it. And also, it seemed a way of knocking others down to boost himself up.