Page 4 | To think MN posts should show the age bracket of the poster?

WhiteNoiseBlur · 2025-09-03T05:05:43+00:00

I think it would be really useful if the age bracket of each poster was included next to their username, e.g. WhiteNoiseBlur (35-45). Just so people’s opinions could be put slightly into context! What do you think?

DiscoBob · 03/09/2025 11:34

Why? Just so people can disregard or disagree with someone based on their age. Or make snide remarks about how their age makes them act in a certain way?

I don't care how old other MN users are. Most people do volunteer their age in context of their posts but if they don't then that's fine.

I wouldn't put my age next to my username and they couldn't make it compulsory.

sundayfundayclub · 03/09/2025 11:33

Surely everyone's opinion is valid, regardless of age.

The OP hasn't said people's opinions are not valid though.

Do you think we should have ethnicity as well?

We do have boards for different ethnic groups or sexual orientation hence why my suggestion was a board for younger users.

Original poster

WhiteNoiseBlur · 03/09/2025 11:32

BauhausOfEliott · 03/09/2025 11:23

i just think it would be interesting!

Sure, but just because something is interesting, that doesn't mean you have a right to know it. I mean, it would be interesting to know all sorts of personal details about people, but for obvious reasons that doesn't mean they should have to share them with you.

If someone's age is relevant to their question - eg if they're asking 'I keep having night sweats, what could this be' or 'I've really gone off sex in the last couple of years' or 'I want to have a baby but my boyfriend says he isn't ready yet, who is BU here' - and they haven't given their age, then people can ask in the replies and the OP can decide whether to answer at their own discretion.

Age is just one of many, many things that might make a difference to the way people see things. Should everyone also add their ethnicity, nationality, religion, political affiliations, salary, location, social class and sexuality? Clearly not.

Gosh, everyone is taking this very seriously!

OP posts:

hellonuranus · 03/09/2025 11:32

Imagineallthepuppies · 03/09/2025 06:19

Political beliefs would be helpful.
Maybe social class and level of education too?

Level of education? Why? Is this you being snobby?

sundayfundayclub · 03/09/2025 11:31

@WhiteNoiseBlur I think the responses are entirely predictable tbh. As I said the easiest thing to do is assume the vast majority of the posters are 55 plus which will automatically contextualise the responses.

JHound · 03/09/2025 11:29

Sounds ageist.

sundayfundayclub · 03/09/2025 11:28

What’s to stop someone writing a post that’s utter bullshit?

Yeah, I don't understand that argument that people will lie!

BengalBangle · 03/09/2025 11:24

No. Just no.

BellyPork · 03/09/2025 11:23

nomas · 03/09/2025 11:06

I'm middle aged but I do think younger posters (20+ year olds) are often shut down on MN. Their writing style is mocked, they're accused of being 12, etc.

I think the original users of MN from 15, 20, 25 years ago have grown older and less tolerant.

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The old MNers have become a lot more tolerant of poor grammar and incorrect spelling. MN used to be the place for free proofreading!

BauhausOfEliott · 03/09/2025 11:23

i just think it would be interesting!

Sure, but just because something is interesting, that doesn't mean you have a right to know it. I mean, it would be interesting to know all sorts of personal details about people, but for obvious reasons that doesn't mean they should have to share them with you.

If someone's age is relevant to their question - eg if they're asking 'I keep having night sweats, what could this be' or 'I've really gone off sex in the last couple of years' or 'I want to have a baby but my boyfriend says he isn't ready yet, who is BU here' - and they haven't given their age, then people can ask in the replies and the OP can decide whether to answer at their own discretion.

Age is just one of many, many things that might make a difference to the way people see things. Should everyone also add their ethnicity, nationality, religion, political affiliations, salary, location, social class and sexuality? Clearly not.

GreenFlag · 03/09/2025 11:16

They could easily lie

nomas · 03/09/2025 11:06

sundayfundayclub · 03/09/2025 09:39

@ARandomWomanAge45to55

but is it wrong that sometimes people want to hear more recent experience that may be more relevant to them?

I don't personally like Reddit but also don't like instagram, I would like to hear more younger voices on MNs just for more balance.

I'm middle aged but I do think younger posters (20+ year olds) are often shut down on MN. Their writing style is mocked, they're accused of being 12, etc.

I think the original users of MN from 15, 20, 25 years ago have grown older and less tolerant.

Beachwalksinwinter · 03/09/2025 11:02

No because at 65 my response would just be dismissed. MN is ageist enough as it is.

mondaytosunday · 03/09/2025 11:00

IQ might be better.

Digdongdoo · 03/09/2025 10:59

WhiteNoiseBlur · 03/09/2025 10:52

Careful, you might have just identified your approximate age! clutches pearls

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See this is why we don't need age brackets. Contextual clues. Hang around for a while and you'll soon suss everyone out anyway.

nomas · 03/09/2025 10:58

WhiteNoiseBlur · 03/09/2025 10:44

What’s to stop someone writing a post that’s utter bullshit? You just have to take some things on trust. But anyway. Nobody wants to say what decade they’re from. All good - was just a pondering

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Tbf, even if you set up a profile and it asks you for your age bracket, you can just lie.

Original poster

WhiteNoiseBlur · 03/09/2025 10:52

Digdongdoo · 03/09/2025 10:50

Like Myspace 😂

Show quote history

Careful, you might have just identified your approximate age! clutches pearls

OP posts:

Hoppinggreen · 03/09/2025 10:52

InterestedDad37 · 03/09/2025 10:49

I totally judge people by their taste in music. Can we have favourite bands/songs at the bottom?
(Los Del Rio/Macarena 😂)

Great idea, from Hoppinggreen
Age band 45-50
36DD size 6 shoe
Eclectic music taste but mostly Travis Scott and Chapel Roan in the car right now (thanks to DS and Leedsfest)
Sagitarius but on the cusp

ViciousCurrentBun · 03/09/2025 10:51

My friend is almost 65 and used to work in the costume dept of the BBC, another is 59 and was a fashion designer that won a major award. I will enjoy telling them your little tale about shoes and what is ok to wear depending on age so I can listen to their righteous outrage.

Digdongdoo · 03/09/2025 10:50

InterestedDad37 · 03/09/2025 10:49

I totally judge people by their taste in music. Can we have favourite bands/songs at the bottom?
(Los Del Rio/Macarena 😂)

Like Myspace 😂

InterestedDad37 · 03/09/2025 10:49

I totally judge people by their taste in music. Can we have favourite bands/songs at the bottom?
(Los Del Rio/Macarena 😂)

Original poster

WhiteNoiseBlur · 03/09/2025 10:44

gotmyknickersinatwist · 03/09/2025 09:57

Posters add their age in their own posts if they think it's relevant or adds context.
Thus, it should be.
Besides, what's to stop someone selecting a different age bracket? Unless you think MN should automate that option based on birth date option at sign up.

It's a thoroughly crap idea.

What’s to stop someone writing a post that’s utter bullshit? You just have to take some things on trust. But anyway. Nobody wants to say what decade they’re from. All good - was just a pondering

OP posts:

stayathomer · 03/09/2025 09:59

I could see it helping, eg there’s a retirement thread at the moment and everyone is saying the op is rich because of what she’s asking could she live on if she retired. I’d agree it’s a huge amount but then at the same time I think someone in their 20s 30s or 40s probably doesn’t get the extra costs you accumulate at that age (my mum regularly has to pay for health issues and her home is now falling apart)

Also for style and beauty a 20 year old and 50 year old has totally different issues!

gotmyknickersinatwist · 03/09/2025 09:57

Posters add their age in their own posts if they think it's relevant or adds context.
Thus, it should be.
Besides, what's to stop someone selecting a different age bracket? Unless you think MN should automate that option based on birth date option at sign up.

It's a thoroughly crap idea.

Hoppinggreen · 03/09/2025 09:56

I vote for putting Bra and shoe size on too