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In the City-Data Retirement Forum there is a Chat Thread; it is a cool place because we don't have to be worried about staying on-topic. I have posted there about books, movies, commented on City-Data itself, even told jokes.
But there is something I don't understand. Many posters, mostly female, post about and are interested in the posts of others concerning the most trivial, mundane, boring aspects of daily life: What they ate for dinner, where they went with the grandkids, taking a sick pet to the vet, what the weather is or is forecast to be, how many dogs they saw on their morning walk, etc. Why is that? What is the interest of it? (O.K., if the weather is especially violent or unusual that is a different matter and becomes of general interest). I can't get interested in what a total stranger had for dinner.
I don't make objections to those posts in the Chat Thread because, hey, it's a chat thread, so anything goes as long as the City-Data rules are observed. But I am greatly puzzled why there is such a high volume of absolute trivia, and I am hoping that posters here will be able to shed some light on this phenomenon.
Do people have no life of the mind, no real adventures or significant happenings in their lives? If so, perhaps the meaningless trivia is all there is and people validate each other by relating their trivia? Help me with this.
Do people have no life of the mind, no real adventures or significant happenings in their lives? If so, perhaps the meaningless trivia is all there is and people validate each other by relating their trivia? Help me with this.
If they are on Retired and on C-D all day, then there is your answer. I think they are just trying to "make conversation" or trying to keep the conversation flowing.
If they are on Retired and on C-D all day, then there is your answer. I think they are just trying to "make conversation" or trying to keep the conversation flowing.
On any given day there are mundane aspects to most peoples lives ... that is a reality. I agree that it is just another way for others to reach out and feeling connected on some level. There is also the element of loneliness and if sharing via forum posts helps to minimize isolation, then it is a positive in my view.
I have a question for the OP ...
I don't mean to pry, but what are you planning to have for breakfast? See how easy it is.
Do people have no life of the mind, no real adventures or significant happenings in their lives?
As far as I can tell, most people don't.
I have significant happenings but I don't want to talk about them, because that would open them up to examination. Thus I post about strange daily occurrences. I do have an occasional adventure and definitely a life of the mind. Want to talk about who's the better writer, Steinbeck or Faulkner?
Quote:
If so, perhaps the meaningless trivia is all there is and people validate each other by relating their trivia? Help me with this.
Once I posted what I had for lunch in the Food forum, on one of those threads where everyone does likewise. I actually got recommendations for it and felt absurdly pleased, even as I realized it was a silly thing to do to begin with.
I'll spare you the details of the blueberry pancakes I just had.
I have significant happenings but I don't want to talk about them, because that would open them up to examination. Thus I post about strange daily occurrences. I do have an occasional adventure and definitely a life of the mind. Want to talk about who's the better writer, Steinbeck or Faulkner?
Once I posted what I had for lunch in the Food forum, on one of those threads where everyone does likewise. I actually got recommendations for it and felt absurdly pleased, even as I realized it was a silly thing to do to begin with.
I'll spare you the details of the blueberry pancakes I just had.
Your example from the Food Forum is a good illustration of exactly what I am talking about. Matters of real substance on the Food Forum (it would seem to me) would be stuff like the nutritional value of various foods, ideas for how to prepare certain foods, or ideas on how to save money in shopping for food. But what everybody had for lunch? Like you, say, silly.
And your example of comparing two writers is also an excellent example of the opposite - a subject that has real meat to it, that is in some way significant.
If they are on Retired and on C-D all day, then there is your answer. I think they are just trying to "make conversation" or trying to keep the conversation flowing.
Your example from the Food Forum is a good illustration of exactly what I am talking about. Matters of real substance on the Food Forum (it would seem to me) would be stuff like the nutritional value of various foods, ideas for how to prepare certain foods, or ideas on how to save money in shopping for food. But what everybody had for lunch? Like you, say, silly.
And your example of comparing two writers is also an excellent example of the opposite - a subject that has real meat to it, that is in some way significant.
But maybe what you consider inane and lacking in substance other feel as a light-hearted way to connect with other people and share in their similarities and differences. Lecturing or participating in intellectual one-upsmanship might equally seem silly and unimportant to others.
I'll visit Retirement once in awhile; I'll visit Food and Drink occasionally; I even get some thrills over in Non-Romantic Relationships. Work and Employment is strictly for giggles, and Parenting is for when I'm feeling combative (not often). I can't hang out at any of these places. I'm not bored enough.
Self-Sufficiency & Preparedness has the right mix for me -- agricultural, unusual tools, alternative energy, anti-government sentiments, guns and ammo, and wild-and-crazy hair-pulling between liberals and conservatives. Guy stuff. The ladies get miffed, then leave for awhile. Fine with me!
You do wonder why people need to tell strangers all of this. I don't get it, either. It obviously is not limited to older people, though....look at younger kids on social media.
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