I spend little to no time reading user comments on blogs, reddit threads, YouTube, and forums mostly because I find the comments add little value. Occasionally when I’m digging into a niche topic seeking advice, I’ll skim them. Comments from legit people with expertise are easy to spot. I’ll rely on those and have even occasionally DM’d the expert directly with questions.
Most comments however fall into a few easy recognized categories:
- Political – some trolls have to make everything about “owning the libs” or “castigating the fascists”. Pass.
- Snarky – while these are occasionally clever, If I wanted to read smartass comments I’d be on twitter. Pass.
- Ditto – commenters who repeat someone else’s comment that they agree with. Pass.
- Bizarre – these comments that sometimes throw me for a loop.
When I make the mistake of reading through a Bizarre comment thread I’ll think “this doesn’t make any sense” or “what are they talking about?” or “WTF?”
I’ll chalk up to the commuter being nuts. Or stupid.
And then sometimes, they’ll clear things up for me in a later thread saying “I’m only 14” or “I still live with my parents” or “I never had any experience with this situation but I think…”
That makes me laugh at myself and think – oh…no wonder.
I don’t look to children or inexperienced people IRL to provide me with valuable advice. In real life, those people are usually easily identifiable.
Online, they are everywhere. And they’ll be quick to offer their opinion.
My natural skepticism and cynicism are a barrier that helps to shield me from consuming too much irrelevant input.