To think that MN users seem more intelligent than the average person?

[ethelfleda]

Ok hear me out...
In real life, I would consider myself to be fairly intelligent... I’d maybe even go as far as saying above average in comparison to the people around me.
However, the other users on MN make me feel less than average most of the time! So many articulate and well reasoned arguments - vocabulary that I hardly hear day to day let alone know what it means. There are also some very witty people on here too. So is it just me? Or do the posters on mn not represent the average person intelligence wise?

Sort of lighthearted by the way

I think the average demographic on MN is older and better educated than other large parenting sites, yes.

older and better educated

I think this is it. I was wildly impressed when I first joined MN. Over time... less so .

I think a lot of people are more educated and therefore able to put their point across more succinctly (tried to use a big word to prove my point ). However I don’t think it outweighs emotional intelligence on other sites. There may be an educated presence but the amount of veiled insults thrown around is very standard!

I like you OP

Sometimes I read the comments on yahoo news items. Then I am glad I found Mumsnet.

I think so too. In person I'm fairly educated and more intelligent than most who I meet yet I feel average to below average on here. I'm in a few mum groups on Facebook for specific issues and I notice a huge difference between those and here, with here seeming to have a higher level of average intellect.

I like it.

See if you feel the same way in a month

I don't think so...although many think they are.

I enjoy the discussion here. OK there’s a lot of nonsense but the signal to noise ratio is out of this world in comparison to most other sites.

Time is probably a factor here too. You have more time to think out well articulated points online, in person you have to think quicker and act faster to make your point so it could come out “less intelligent” than if you were having the same discussion online.

That’s my excuse anyway!

No, i dont agree.

Thread topics wiĺl attract those with knowledge of that topic - medical thread will attract medical people, a car thread will attract people with knowledge about cars etc

Theyre still usually drowned out by people posting absolute guff though...

I would say the vocabulary is definitely above average. I also think the ability to argue is above average but that's based on the average being 'what can I say, that's just me, end of' or thereabouts.

MN is as rigid as most communities about some things though, and has its own Neighbourhood Watch. And I say that knowing I'm right in the middle of the Neighbourhood Watch demographic.

There are some right bloody EmptyHeads too

Given that when i saw this thread, it was sitring below one that was entitled 'To think that crystals really do heal the mind?' I would say no, absolutely not.

Thanks very much

What AnyFucker said.

There are some absolute melters on here but generally I agree.

I think you’re probably right. I’m always a bit when I see a thread with less than perfect spelling and grammar. Not that there is anything wrong with having less than perfect spelling and grammar but it’s just so unmumsnet

Some are, just like everyday life.

The majority? No. I've seen threads go on for multiple pages with people asking the same question over and over again, despite it having been answered several times already, usually in the op.

Then there is the blatant nonsense spouted about law, when it's clearly not even remotely right.

Give it a while. Some are smart definitely. Some just like to wind people up, cause drama, are trolls etc. Most are of just average intelligence, nothing special. I would count myself in the average by the way.

I think they think they are and certainly think their children are ......

I'm not sure I totally agree with you tbh. There are many members with sound advice, probably based on their experiences.

I do find wise words regarding domestic violence and abusive partners and I've learned a lot.

However, there are a lot of pp who talk complete nonsense. Perhaps that's age and lack of experience, or just lifestyle and education.

It does seem that way. Most debates/threads on here have well-informed, articulate posters predominating, which can't be said for everywhere on the internet!

On average, I would say that the grammar, spelling and clarity is better than most newspaper and news comments.
But the frequent inability to read and understand what the OP has written amazes me. The recent inheritance and sisters thread was a prime example of this.
Cancel the cheque!
Read the OP!

I think it depends on the topics, and the fact that I tend to skim over and forget the silly beggar comments.

The feminist boards never cease to amaze me though. The level of detail of laws, current events and history some of those posters have and reference is simply mind blowing.

I personally think that's why people are put off by the boards, and it's sad in this day and age that intelligent, articulate women are something to be feared.