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

[WhiteNoiseBlur]

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?

IQ might be better.

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

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.

They could easily lie

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.

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

No. Just no.

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

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

Sounds ageist.

@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.

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

Gosh, everyone is taking this very seriously!

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.

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.

I can't think of any advantages. It's a terrible idea.

Yes, this.

I always indicate my age and/or the fact my DC are full grown adults where I think that fact is relevant to the post.

Don't see why that information would be necessary if, for the sake of argument, I am giving my opinion on a wedding / parking / neighbour dispute thread.

There's enough ageism on here already.

And also this.

Why do you feel that would be useful? Age doesn't really mean anything, it isn't an indicator of maturity or the stage someone's at in their life or their situation.

How about them also noting their gender, religion ethnicity, race and sexuality too.

Just to “contextualise” comments?

Not necessary.

The OP can ask for age specific advice of needed, and many posters will say what age range they're in if they deem it necessary.

Yes. Because ageism is illegal. Funny that.

Terrible idea. I understand that style and beauty advice might differ but people often mention age there if relevant. On relationships, AIBU etc it’s good to have a range of opinions and opinions aren’t always tied to age. It would just become a way of dismissing people ( silly old biddy, selfish millennial, ok boomer) and encourage closed minds.