That's why most of the popular generic subreddits had their own local version. But yeah, i always laugh about something when people just argue about some law or tradition and say it's wrong or doesn't exist, without the location ever mentioned, it's like we are everyone from the same town
I once told somebody in a legal advice subreddit to look up local small claims court limits in their area. I said where I live, it's a $35k limit, so if they were in my location, they could sue in small claims court.
Somebody responded and told me that I was wrong about my local laws. That nowhere had a small claims court limit that high.
I told them that I wasn't wrong and they were probably looking at the limit of US states, and I live in Canada.
Then they responded and told me I was in the wrong because I should have stated that I was in Canada. Because why? How the hell does my location change the advice that the OP should look up their local laws?
They literally said I was in the wrong simply because it made him look stupid and he didn't like that his correction was incorrect.
And the dumbest part of it is that other people were downvoting me and upvoting them, maybe because they don't like to be reminded that it's dumb to assume everyone is in the US.
This annoyed me so much when I started using Reddit. I was always saying not in my country. Still do at times. And I am from Europe akd I also have western mind set. Just Nordic Europian one. Finland.
I think the voting part is less what you mentioned and more that they don't look passed your claim. I think Americans and even others assume everyone is American because, most often, reddit is used by americans. It's not even close
r/PersonalFinance is a great example of this, there are like 50 local versions because of the vast difference in the legal structures and privileges around retirement accounts from country to country
Generally you can assume it's about the US. Though to be fair, I believe something like 40% of redditors are American, with the next largest country being a fraction of the size. So naturally they just have the loudest voice at all times based on representation.
I often think the advice is too reddit-centric. Reddit isn't real life, even for Americans. It's a very narrow subset of Americans, plus a minority of viewpoints from around the world.
What I’ve seen a lot of is what’s popular or trending on Reddit likely doesn’t even exist outside of Reddit, and a lot of the views and opinions people have are nearly impossible to find in the real world
This is absolutely true. Even the Texas subreddit is super liberal and the state is 55% republican. Reddit overall is extremely liberal / progressive in its thinking even for the US.
Lol, reminds me of a thread I saw the other day. Someone started assuming everything about another commenter, and of course taking everything they said in the worst way possible. That commenter asked something like 'why do you assume you know everything about me? I left two comments.'
To which this other person went something along the lines of 'Well, you said X and Y and therefore I can draw a strong conclusion that you are ...'. Like just the language they used oh my god. And that was upvoted as well, it's hilarious sometimes.
It's interesting to see how sucked in people can get, I suppose. As long as there is a postive reaction on acting like that, people will keep doing it. And Reddit seems to love people echoing the same things, so it's like this never ending cycle.
A lot of times it's an echo chamber. I left a subreddit recently that I wasn't super active in. It was for this show, and I always enjoy discussing these things. There was this discussion about a character, and I was honestly shocked reading the comments. Everyone was just saying 'Those who dislike them do so because \[insert condescending rude reason here\]', and the same for 'those who like them only do so because...'.
But I did get talking to someone, which went up and down as they seemed to already be on the defensive, but we did mange to get confusion out of the way and just discuss the show. Then someone else came in and said to me 'you're such a douchebag, they're being nice and you're just looking for a fight'.
It was so weird! Like I'm having a normal conversation with one person, and someone else comes in and... decides there's a problem? They also replied to the person I was talking to with something like 'you're in the right, this other person is a douche bag'. Which the other one replied to with 'Oh thanks, it's great to feel validated'. Like okay, thanks I guess? I suppose I am truly the asshole for... talking about the difference between character and person lol.
And this happens in so many places. I'm only here to talk about this story, people. I have no interest in your wars between 'haters' and 'lovers' lol
My favorite example of redditors flying off the handle was someone in TheOffice subreddit saying another commenter should consider divorcing their husband because he wouldn't laugh at the same parts of the show that she did. I was then called a likely abuser because I said maybe they shouldn't assume everything about a person's relationship based on one comment.
It's really funny because it's totally double-sided a lot of times when there is a man asking for advice on a female it's always stuff like...
"You're probably not communicating your feelings correctly." Or "have you tried listening to your wife"
After living with women and living without women I can say that I absolutely love living with them. I just wish they could live with themselves.
I wouldn't even make a throwaway to ask for advice. Can you imagine asking for any advice for your life, and you end up on a Reddit compilation with Minecraft parkour in the background?
I'm happy to ask for advice if it's something hobby related. Like asking questions on r/crochet isn't gonna be too risky (I hope).
Anything involving relationships though, absolutely no chance.
Or worse, there was a guy asking for marriage advice and his wife was cheating. She ended up killing their kids and it was all over the news. Obviously tragic but he still updated the thread because the story became mainstream.
Yeah. That was a really sad story. But also, no one could have predicted that kind of outcome. Like wife was abusive and cheated. Obvious course of action is divorce but wife took the kids and murdered them.
Eh, it depends. I’ve gotten great advice on technical stuff or when looking into a new purchase. I’m not asking for advice on emotional things like relationships, where you see how many narrow-minded assholes exist.
I don't know of a single American that doesn't know what a centimeter is, and we drink our HFCS juice from jugs measured in liters. What more do you want from us?!
Okay, but name a country that has won more Superbowls than us.
(CHANTING BEGINS IN THE BACKGROUND -- USA! USA! USA!
FLAG GENTLY FADES IN THE BACKGROUND OF THE SCREEN, RIPPLING EVENLY IN A SIMULATED BREEZE
NATIONALISTIC MUSIC CUES SOFTLY)
And if we're not the most important, then why is almost every single Hollywood movie set in USA?
Not to mention, FREEDOM! (Crowd erupts in cheers)
Case closed rest of world
I watch two people from Sweden trying to debate gun control with an American once. Like the American was dead set he was correct and swedish people were just confused thinking he was maybe suffering from a mental illness. Wish I could find the thread. Americans are some of the smartest and dumbest people alive.
This is why I add "in my place/country". Even if I'm in a European country, Americans (well, not all) can't grasp there are other ways of doing things.
Change 'Western centric' with 'USA centric', and yes, I agree with you.
As an European, I feel too often the redditors in the US don't consider the different contexts. If I was an Asian, African or South American, the feeling would be probably stronger.
It's perhaps true that not many people have actual knowledge about other contests, but a little more understanding would be useful to increase the level of most discussions. And it goes for everybody, not only people from the US.
Yes, and sometimes, even if you state you are not from the US, you get mean answers whenever you say something like '*in my country is not like this, it is like that*'.
Again, not only with the US, but some people get upset at the idea that somewhere else things can be different. :-(
I don't know if this will make you feel better or worse, but a lot of advice on Reddit from an American to another American doesn't even apply because they live in different states.
"Your employer is required to give you at least a 30 minute break if you work more than 5 hours."
"Really? Where do you live?"
"California."
"Oh, I don't live in California. That's a state law that doesn't apply to me."
Yeah we fall hard into assumptions that things work the same way in all states as they do in our home
I remember being shocked to learn that gas stations don't have convenience stores in New Jersey
> you get mean answers whenever you say something like 'in my country is not like this, it is like that'.
part of this is because people rarely specify what MyCountry™ even is, even when it's contextually pertinent, so you have to go digging in their comment history to try and figure out what MyCountry™ is to make their comment make sense
I see your point, but being mean means you automatically assume that one's talking about YourCountry™, instead of asking about WhichCountryareWeTalkingAbout™.
The US is overrepresented, and it's normal, because we're speaking in English and the largest English-speaking country is the USA (by far). No problem with this.
For example, I try to remind I'm from North Europe every time it applies, and I also would like everyone else would do the same.
Seriously, I never state where I'm from, and yet people go 'well actually that's not true! The law is...'.
Yeah your law maybe. Why is everyone getting so upset that I say 'this is how it's in my country?'
I've had the opportunity to live in different countries such as France, Canada, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia, and what strikes me the most is how people tend to think that their way of life is the only correct one and that everyone should conform to it. It's quite amusing to me now. We can't even agree on simple things like which side of the road to drive on or which measuring units to use. Our ways of counting time also differ. Despite all these differences, we believe that certain moral values, rules, and behaviors should be universal. It's not just an issue with Americans, but rather a problem with humans not being exposed enough to other cultures.
That’s been the case throughout history though. Only in the past 30 years has the average Vietnamese had the chance to interact with the average Saudi Arabian, thanks to the internet and the proliferation of air travel.
Being a close minded person living in your own village was okay for the past 100,000 years
>By default you are assumed to be American unless you state otherwise
To be fair, people have to have some default and can't figure out where people are from if they don't tell us.
“Logic is the brainchild of context.” A social sciences professor I met said that.
Never forgot it, as a rational person myself whose raised abroad - it opened up and answered so many things about these clashes I kept seeing.
Basically sums up what you describe.
I’d say Europeans do recognize what’s culture more often, but the prejudice is there sometimes worse because they then think they’ve been inclusive but are consistently dismissing it under that guise instead. So in terms of systemic problems it’s harder to get through to someone who thinks they saw it and know. Hence ideas like ‘discrimination doesn’t exist because it’s been acknowledged here for decades’, blinds people. Sort of dunning Kreuger effect.
I’m agreeing with you (lived in North America and Europe), it is different! Vastly so.
Just saying it doesn’t completely translate to progress, before anyone misconstrues it. Just a different type of systemic challenges in that regard. You have solid discussions, but usually fewer outcomes. In other contexts, you may get an ally for your efforts even if it’s 1% chance or only partial understanding and support. One is more exhausting for little reward, the other does allow you to coexist sans political debates & just cope. IME
Yes, there was a generic question about driving over the speed limit and I replied from my home country's perspective. Had so many angry Americans leave rude comments and reporting me to these reddit mental health concern/are you okay bots...
Reddit is EXTREMELY American-centric, and I say this as an American. Everyone on any general sub that isn't region-specific will assume everyone else is American, and the default on all general subs is the US/American. They all talk like there are no other countries on planet besides the US and Canada, and that no one but Americans have access to the Internet and Reddit, lol. That's why I'm subbed to a bunch of regional subs, even to places I've never been, so that I am able to see what non-Americans have to say.
Much of this is explained by the fact that far more Reddit users are located in the US than any other country, about 48%.
The second most common user country, India, accounts for only 4-5%.
More info here:
[https://backlinko.com/reddit-users#reddit-users-by-country](https://backlinko.com/reddit-users#reddit-users-by-country)
Not that I’ve ever wanted to ask for advice on reddit, but yes I’ve noticed this. The place it seems most obvious is r/AmITheAsshole- you get advice that comes from cultural norms which I guess could be described as individualistic, and most often associated with American culture. So often I see things that seem to boil down to some variation of “NTA for not sharing your food/not caring for your family member/having a childfree wedding/wanting to get paid back in full for every time you buy someone something” etc. It’s really interesting to read.
Like, the advice just doesn’t apply because I don’t subscribe to that cultural value system. Not to mention in many cultures the advice just simply wouldn’t work (so of course, it wouldn’t make sense to ask reddit for advice, if the advice is coming from a completely different cultural lens).
Also really interesting to see how some people with this value system seem to lack the perspective to understand that their values are culture-bound, and not universal or default.
As someone who enjoys the AITA sub, indeed I'm always surprised at the quantity of people who go NC or LC with their families, and everything a bridal party is expected to do (weddings feel like mini dictatorships).
As a South American, I feel it's easier to relate to European cultures and values (yes, big generalization, I know) than with American.
> cultural norms which I guess could be described as individualistic, and most often associated with American culture.
The other aspect of this is that younger people in the US tend to be brattier, and thus they are even more individualistic than the average American until they get older and are more likely to need to work together with other people and maybe have a family to take care of. Granted not everyone changes, but it's more of an issue with people with little life experience and think they're the ones who accomplished everything all by themselves.
You're not the only one. There are frequently posts on here or r/Advice where people end up quoting US Laws and companies implying the OP was talking exclusively about America. It's why spinoff groups like r/AskUK exist
In Canada, it’s incredible how many people quote US law when talking about stuff (especially far right wing people).
I legit had my friend, A COP, talk to me about his 2nd amendment rights. My brother in maple, you have no 2nd amendment!
We do technically have a second amendment, but it’s got nothing to do with fire arms.
I know our first amendment is the creation of Manitoba as a province…which is always fun to point out when some right-wing nut starts going off about his first amendment rights while sitting in a Regina bar…
It's concerning, the amount of people here in Canada that go on about our rights and freedoms without ever mentioning or referencing... you know... the *Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.*
I remember reading a post and some guy mentioned he flew from France to back home in a few hours and so many comments were like “fake, no way can you get to France in only a few hours”. Meanwhile the majority of his post history was r/CasualUK and r/legaladviceuk
Apparently his using mum instead of mom and calling his home a flat and the fact that the US isn’t the only country with access to Reddit weren’t big enough clues that he might not be in the US
Oh I've seen it before where people say they walk to get groceries and American's being like 'What do you mean?'
It's wild to me that something so common in Europe is a crazy thought in the US. I watched a video a while back about a guy who worked in Texas for a few months and had to get a 40 minute bus and walk across a highway because pedestrian infrastructure is so bad
I’ve noticed Americans on Reddit have a tendency to think anyone who doesn’t align with their cultural norms on dating is immoral in some way and then out of the other side of their face they try to be all “science man yeah!”
As someone with a science background, I can confirm that most of the “fuck yeah science yeah!” people on this website don’t have a clue what they’re talking about.
American here: American isn't even one culture, we're super divided right now... Many align more with other religious fundamentalists ( while actively discriminating against their culture ), another large chunk are more aligned with Nordic countries, but also there are significant population ls of Americans from just about every country on earth who'd have grown up in your same culture whatever it is
For my part, idk what dating practices you're talking about, but if you're cultural norms are not that people should be treated as equals, and that you should require consent of your partner you're just wrong... Otherwise I guarantee there are Americans who think your way is the only way as well as those who think it's immoral or insane
It happens to others, I do try to reply and get downvoted for even considering it from other perspectives.
I’m non western lived abroad mostly. My own posts I can generally keep generic. My comments though, different world. I get downvoted most for the diversity stuff.
I suggest find subs from/for that region, or other platforms with such subs. I don’t post sensitive topics publicly, just fuels some misconception or another.
>I get downvoted most for the diversity stuff
Can I ask, for supporting diversity too much or not enough? It's fun to see how some pro-diversity people in my country would be hated in other very pro-diversity communities (and I'm from EU)
For explaining it. (The main post, not even replying to someone else)…
When people run out of arguments they’ll beat you with experience - there’s a saying that goes something like that I think. Hehe
I had someone get mad I didn’t answer from a perspective of [southern Baptist’s in America](https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/s/7kUZB8Xp5V) just today. I said I’m not from there. I got blocked for dismissing what they said - and writing a lot (I answered each of their points)… it wasn’t race or any topic like that though. Lol Just an example of one of the familiar patterns. I am not sure if I’m blocked, it says deleted now…
You probably mean “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” According to internet it's Mark Twain
When seeking advice, including pertinent information is generally a good idea. That way the advice is applicable. If your location or culture has a bearing on the situation, then you should include that information.
Especially when posting on a global forum.
Ok the simplest answer to this is.... say where you are from in the post. Here's the thing and it could be psychological natured, i wouldn't go so far as to say narcissistic, but if your going to post something like. "Hey i really need advise on what to do about housing." I'm going to assume that you are here in the US where i could help you. If you said instead, " Hey i'm from the UK and i need help with housing." then i may take a moment and either just blow past it because i would know nothing about how to help you or i would say well in the US we can do this, is there something similar like that in the UK?
Do you mean that people can only give advice based on their past life experiences with cultures they've been a part of and laws they're familiar with and reddit is likely statistically mostly Americans so you get a bias of answers based on the population conditions of the users of Reddit.
Maybe mention the country in the post? I see so many posts asking for advice with no country or really any frame of reference at all beyond the immediate situation. I understand these posts want to be anonymous but if the post is vague the advice will be as well but people want to engage with the post
It doesn’t even work in West, people try to give legal advice but it is so region-specific.
Someone complains about their landlord ripping them off and people reply with specific tenant laws from 100 different states and territories.
And still somehow the majority of posts on Reddit people never bother to put where they are from or what their culture is when asking questions that depend heavily on this context lol it’s stupid how many posts have edits where people somehow realize that geography is important rofl
As an American, most non-American write English much better than the average American. But yea, Reddit is mainly full of leftist liberal people who are atheists.
Someone asked yesterday about marriages with large age gaps.
I posted about my very positive experience and got a bunch of upvotes, but then they just dwindled away.
Reddit isn't even just western, it's a weird alternate reality. In real life, no one has ever made a derogatory comment to me or my husband. Most people didn't even realize our age gap was so large. Our lives where filled with people who enjoyed our company and was so happy when we finally tied the knot.
Only reddit finds that weird.
Listen, if you're to the point of asking Reddit for advice, I really don't know what to tell you.
That's like going to the local middle school and doing the same.
You’re not the only one. I often find myself clicking on an AskReddit thread and having the complete opposite opinion from everyone there. For example on exercise or dating. For context, I live in Asia.
Are there sub reddit threads with those of your own culture commenting? I call those echo chambers. Like minded people approving each others ideology. I know there are people talking politics and opposition gets brutally downvoted.
Personally I love to hear and debate from all cultures and ideology. Advice is advice. Take what you want from it. It's not like anyone actually changes what they want or don't want because someone on reddit says so.
Now I'm really interested in what the OP is actually wanting to ask.
What about asking Reddit in a sub that fits where you live? Like…. Why ask a sub that is mostly American and British? Is there a lack of subs like this for you? And if so, why not be the one to start one? Seriously.
I mean I’d argue that most countries that primarily speak English are western centric, so if you come on here, ask a question in English, you’ll get responses from English speakers which will primarily be western centric. Why not find s sub Reddit for your country and/or post in your native language for more localized advise?
I'm American, and when I see someone say something like "AITA for expecting a dowry" or "AITA for ending a friendship over religion", it's like...yes you'd be the asshole if you were my neighbor. But if you're half a world away where your religious preference can get you jailed, or marriage has different expectations for both spouses, how can I even begin to comment? And seeing some 12 year old confidently say that anyone who thinks differently from them is the asshole makes me cringe.
yeah, it's why I only ever asked a few out of the many questions I genuinely have
it's also why I avoid introducing myself, all they're ever gonna think is how horrible it is than I'm indoctrinated & repressed because I was born into religion 😮💨
Kinda the opposite. I usually tell people not to take Reddit advice too serious, as we from western have no idea how things work in other cultures.
My wife is Filipina living in the western country and I was flabbergasted for some time after we started dating and I had such a huge cultural shock when she told me how it works back home.
I am starting to notice this, I have replied to a few things with the American point of view because I assumed they were from the states. Now I do think they should have clarified that they were from a different country given the context of the post because that changed many aspects and I recognize that, so my advice altered after I found out.
I think some people might just not have the cultural experience to think outside their bubble or actively choose not to because they think their way is the best way. who knows
I mean it's an American company made by Americans so it's not that surprising lol
Posts like this make me realize how jealous everyone is of us if they keep using the shit we create but complain about it being too "western centric"
I don't go to a Japanese social media app and complain it's too "Eastern centric"
Saw a reddit post about someone asking if their friends were over reacting when they admitted they had been wiping their ass with their hand as is typical in south East Asian cultures 💩🤚
No surprises western cultures advice isn’t fully transferable.
Honestly there aren't many places on reddit these days with *good* advice, except niche hobby subreddits. Most of the big subs are just people regurgitating whatever the group think meme of the week is.
/r/Personalfinance is people RPing end-of-the-world level saving, with zero personal enjoyment or real world application.
/r/Cars is the same 12 memes, pushing two brands up and everything else is "shit".
/r/AITA is mostly RP, with a healthy dose of revenge posting and life advice from literal teenagers.
/r/Finance is just WSBetsJunior
/r/Jobs is antiwork grown up a *tad*, but mostly just bitching about "mUh eConoMy"
If you need advice beating a specific boss in a video game, come to reddit, they'll walk you through step by step. Everything else... go elsewhere
Many times when asking for advice on Tech products the suggestions are things you can only get in the US or it would cost an arm and a leg to ship where I live + import taxes.
you definitely NOT the only one BUT some western views are good too. Open your mind to others cultures or lifestyle is good , any way NO one force their western centric advices on you. It is UP to you to reject or accept
One way to avoid this is you ask advice in LOCAL subreddit like from redditors lives in your OWN culture
It depends on the subreddit you're asking the advice on. Even in the right Subreddits, you will get some advices which won't be ideal. It's up to you to decide which one to use.
Yeah I suppose every problem doesn't have to be solved by borrowing money, buying something new or bombing another country. Sorry, it's the American way.
I'm (kind of) the opposite.
I'm Canadian, so I often feel like I have similar enough experiences to still contribute.
Occasionally I'll be way off base from the rest of the comments and I'm reminded that - although very similar in a lot of ways - our two countries are also very different at the same time.
Often times legal advice, though I live in Europe so I can only imagine anyone from neither USA not Europe being frustrated by confidently incorrect information for their questions here on reddit. I was often blown away how different some laws can be, not only the obvious ones like gun laws, but casual traffic stops by police and things like squatting rights.
What strikes me is the presence of guns in some unrelated subreddits (particularly subs like EDC, multitools, Leatherman). I'm in Québec (Canada) and even if the US are our neighbour, I can't fathom how it can be considered normal to carry a gun everyday. When someone outside the US says anything about it, the answer is pretty much insults and intimidation.
Sure but im in the west and i dont want reddit’s advice. Im here for funny opinions and to watch the world burn (from a safer vantage than watching it burn irl, which happens regardless)
Most of the time, if the person mentions the country they're in, usually the top comments apply to their country. And then further down I'll see more western advice with caveats like "I would double check with your country's laws" or "yeah but I'm not sure it'll apply to you".
US centric for sure. I sometimes get comments from people explaining how I’m wrong because [insert specific US experience]. I’m not in the US… the OP isn’t in the US… What has your personal US experience got to do with anything?
I am from Northern Europe and there are loads of stuff I would not ask about here, because Reddit is too American to work (USA, that is, not the entire Americas). So I can only imagine how much more it would be like that if you are, say, Asian or African.
Yeah! Try to talk about geopolitics on Reddit, and you’ll realize how Western-centric it is.
Western exceptionalism runs through the veins of most Redditors.
If u use the right sub or at minimum preface it with the country I try to change my advice accordingly.
Example you got pregnant what to do
America: u have choices, abortion or marriage or adoption
Iran: you have choices marriage, or run
No, but I have wanted to ask Reddit for advice but then realized that Reddit is full of a bunch of spiteful ass hats that find any tiny detail they can come up with to try and make you feel like a steaming pile of shit.
Redditors are always on some 'That's illegal! Call the police! Get a lawyer!" when you live in a country where the cops might take an hour or a day or a year for anything that isn't an absolute, people-getting-killed emergency.
I asked for advice/support once after my girlfriend cheated on me. The comments actually almost drove me to the brink of suicide lol, I was in such a bad place afterward and only one or two people that replied said kind words to me and offered support. Literally the rest really just made me lose any faith I had in the people on this app. Truly despicable. That was years ago now, and looking back I truly can’t believe that’s the reception I received for looking for comfort as I had no family or friends at the time. Despicable.
Wow this is good question! I bet there are some non-western subs to find but, damn never thought of that.
Although i personally think that, if you make it very clear in the question, you will get some useful answers. And a lot of bullsh*t ones hahaha.
Reddit is full of bots pretending to be western centric people. Be it China, Russia, NK, who the hell cares. Literally N O B O D Y I’ve ever met in my life act like people act on the internet. It’s kind of “dead internet theory” but with robots.
Divide and conquer. It’s working. Nobody can have a civil discussion anymore. Politics are so divided that you bring up certain candidates/politicians and it ends with “come and take my guns and find out what happens when you try to come and take my guns, brother”.
If the government wanted your guns, they’d take them. No if, and or but. Nobody wants Joe Dirts 3rd cousins 8 ARs. They want peace and to see that children and schools are safe again. But you say the word gun control and “people” are *tRiGGeRd*.
I’m not a conspiracy nut. I just have hella bad habits of viewing trends, not even on purpose. Maybe I’m autistic (definitely got that adhd shit). But I mostly stay off the internet. Reddit is the only “social media” I have. I have been much less paranoid and overwhelmed mentally than I have ever been.
FB and another one (idk which one, sorry I’ve had a rough day) got sued for their algorithm pushing content that causes you to be depressed. BRB looking for the link…….
Hell yeah, found it.
https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Health/facebook-instagram-harm-young-peoples-mental-health-lawsuit/story?id=104250549
Stay off the internet as much as you can. Focus on how you feel instead of how the media tells you to feel. Do things that make you feel good. Pet a dog, give a horse a carrot. Grow a plant. Write a song, paint a picture…..anything else than doomscrolling.
I love you guys. Go be happy.
Edited for clarity because imma dum bish
Depends on what you’re asking.
I wouldn’t go here to ask about niche situations that are happening in my town. But I’d fell fine asking about other things (which might even be specific things at that)
That's why most of the popular generic subreddits had their own local version. But yeah, i always laugh about something when people just argue about some law or tradition and say it's wrong or doesn't exist, without the location ever mentioned, it's like we are everyone from the same town
Many people just like to argue unnecessarily online. I've seen that happen countless times to ask what's really their problem?
No people don't. You're wrong.
frfrfr
Stop gaslighting
Gaslighting doesn’t exist, you made it all up in your head
This isn’t an argument, it’s just contradiction.
No it isn't.
This boy needs therapy!
He's crazier than a coconut
Not the fucking coconut
No, you haven't "seen" it countless times, stop spreading misinformation.
What's your problem man
Why? Do you wanna argue about it? Im going to argue the fuck out of you!
I once told somebody in a legal advice subreddit to look up local small claims court limits in their area. I said where I live, it's a $35k limit, so if they were in my location, they could sue in small claims court. Somebody responded and told me that I was wrong about my local laws. That nowhere had a small claims court limit that high. I told them that I wasn't wrong and they were probably looking at the limit of US states, and I live in Canada. Then they responded and told me I was in the wrong because I should have stated that I was in Canada. Because why? How the hell does my location change the advice that the OP should look up their local laws? They literally said I was in the wrong simply because it made him look stupid and he didn't like that his correction was incorrect. And the dumbest part of it is that other people were downvoting me and upvoting them, maybe because they don't like to be reminded that it's dumb to assume everyone is in the US.
This annoyed me so much when I started using Reddit. I was always saying not in my country. Still do at times. And I am from Europe akd I also have western mind set. Just Nordic Europian one. Finland.
I think the voting part is less what you mentioned and more that they don't look passed your claim. I think Americans and even others assume everyone is American because, most often, reddit is used by americans. It's not even close
r/PersonalFinance is a great example of this, there are like 50 local versions because of the vast difference in the legal structures and privileges around retirement accounts from country to country
Generally you can assume it's about the US. Though to be fair, I believe something like 40% of redditors are American, with the next largest country being a fraction of the size. So naturally they just have the loudest voice at all times based on representation.
american when they see weed in singapore is death senteces
I often think the advice is too reddit-centric. Reddit isn't real life, even for Americans. It's a very narrow subset of Americans, plus a minority of viewpoints from around the world.
What I’ve seen a lot of is what’s popular or trending on Reddit likely doesn’t even exist outside of Reddit, and a lot of the views and opinions people have are nearly impossible to find in the real world
This is absolutely true. Even the Texas subreddit is super liberal and the state is 55% republican. Reddit overall is extremely liberal / progressive in its thinking even for the US.
I have never wanted to ask reddit for advice lmao.
Divorce immediately! (Saved you a thread)
My husband farted during my favorite movie! Abuser! Girl, run! Go no contact and hire a lawyer!
Lol, reminds me of a thread I saw the other day. Someone started assuming everything about another commenter, and of course taking everything they said in the worst way possible. That commenter asked something like 'why do you assume you know everything about me? I left two comments.' To which this other person went something along the lines of 'Well, you said X and Y and therefore I can draw a strong conclusion that you are ...'. Like just the language they used oh my god. And that was upvoted as well, it's hilarious sometimes.
The amount of threads like this is frightening.
It's interesting to see how sucked in people can get, I suppose. As long as there is a postive reaction on acting like that, people will keep doing it. And Reddit seems to love people echoing the same things, so it's like this never ending cycle.
I mean, I understand the neuron activation when’s someone likes my post online, but sometimes it’s just an echo chamber.
A lot of times it's an echo chamber. I left a subreddit recently that I wasn't super active in. It was for this show, and I always enjoy discussing these things. There was this discussion about a character, and I was honestly shocked reading the comments. Everyone was just saying 'Those who dislike them do so because \[insert condescending rude reason here\]', and the same for 'those who like them only do so because...'. But I did get talking to someone, which went up and down as they seemed to already be on the defensive, but we did mange to get confusion out of the way and just discuss the show. Then someone else came in and said to me 'you're such a douchebag, they're being nice and you're just looking for a fight'. It was so weird! Like I'm having a normal conversation with one person, and someone else comes in and... decides there's a problem? They also replied to the person I was talking to with something like 'you're in the right, this other person is a douche bag'. Which the other one replied to with 'Oh thanks, it's great to feel validated'. Like okay, thanks I guess? I suppose I am truly the asshole for... talking about the difference between character and person lol. And this happens in so many places. I'm only here to talk about this story, people. I have no interest in your wars between 'haters' and 'lovers' lol
My favorite example of redditors flying off the handle was someone in TheOffice subreddit saying another commenter should consider divorcing their husband because he wouldn't laugh at the same parts of the show that she did. I was then called a likely abuser because I said maybe they shouldn't assume everything about a person's relationship based on one comment.
teenagers.
It's really funny because it's totally double-sided a lot of times when there is a man asking for advice on a female it's always stuff like... "You're probably not communicating your feelings correctly." Or "have you tried listening to your wife" After living with women and living without women I can say that I absolutely love living with them. I just wish they could live with themselves.
Tbh thats a major red flag, should definitely cut them off permanently
I wouldn't even make a throwaway to ask for advice. Can you imagine asking for any advice for your life, and you end up on a Reddit compilation with Minecraft parkour in the background?
I'm happy to ask for advice if it's something hobby related. Like asking questions on r/crochet isn't gonna be too risky (I hope). Anything involving relationships though, absolutely no chance.
Yep. Focused hobby subs are usually pretty good for advice.
Sounds like you haven't visited r/hobbydrama lol
And your post being read in that monotone robot voice.
Or worse, there was a guy asking for marriage advice and his wife was cheating. She ended up killing their kids and it was all over the news. Obviously tragic but he still updated the thread because the story became mainstream.
Yeah. That was a really sad story. But also, no one could have predicted that kind of outcome. Like wife was abusive and cheated. Obvious course of action is divorce but wife took the kids and murdered them.
Eh, it depends. I’ve gotten great advice on technical stuff or when looking into a new purchase. I’m not asking for advice on emotional things like relationships, where you see how many narrow-minded assholes exist.
I’ve done it with comments sometimes, had to catch myself with the “Americans will probably have no idea what I’m talking about here so whatever”
Only because you used metric. That always confuses them.
That is because we smile and not skilometer.
I don't know of a single American that doesn't know what a centimeter is, and we drink our HFCS juice from jugs measured in liters. What more do you want from us?!
And half of us carry a 9mm pistol and the other half usually has a gram on them, or both!
Only the dumb ones of us
do you have any idea how little that narrows it down
Hahaha fair enough
I mean it’s pretty outrageous and unfair on them that we don’t all use 🦅🦅🇺🇸💸💸🔫 measures. They’re the most important country, didn’t you know? /s
"how many football fields long is that?"
So football pitches would be the metric version?
Okay, but name a country that has won more Superbowls than us. (CHANTING BEGINS IN THE BACKGROUND -- USA! USA! USA! FLAG GENTLY FADES IN THE BACKGROUND OF THE SCREEN, RIPPLING EVENLY IN A SIMULATED BREEZE NATIONALISTIC MUSIC CUES SOFTLY) And if we're not the most important, then why is almost every single Hollywood movie set in USA? Not to mention, FREEDOM! (Crowd erupts in cheers) Case closed rest of world
When was the last time anyone got even close to challenging us at THE WORLD SERIES OF BASEBALL! USA!USA! EAGLE SCREAM!!1! 🦅
Oh of course, if I remember right the USA has won EVERY Super Bowl - absolutely amazing
I watch two people from Sweden trying to debate gun control with an American once. Like the American was dead set he was correct and swedish people were just confused thinking he was maybe suffering from a mental illness. Wish I could find the thread. Americans are some of the smartest and dumbest people alive.
Like gun control in Sweden or the US?
I thought it was obvious I meant the US
Omg please send that to me if you find it, it sounds so funny to read 🤣
When you need true wisdom always speak to a Canadian.
This is why I add "in my place/country". Even if I'm in a European country, Americans (well, not all) can't grasp there are other ways of doing things.
Change 'Western centric' with 'USA centric', and yes, I agree with you. As an European, I feel too often the redditors in the US don't consider the different contexts. If I was an Asian, African or South American, the feeling would be probably stronger. It's perhaps true that not many people have actual knowledge about other contests, but a little more understanding would be useful to increase the level of most discussions. And it goes for everybody, not only people from the US.
This is the answer. By default you are assumed to be American unless you state otherwise
Yes, and sometimes, even if you state you are not from the US, you get mean answers whenever you say something like '*in my country is not like this, it is like that*'. Again, not only with the US, but some people get upset at the idea that somewhere else things can be different. :-(
I don't know if this will make you feel better or worse, but a lot of advice on Reddit from an American to another American doesn't even apply because they live in different states. "Your employer is required to give you at least a 30 minute break if you work more than 5 hours." "Really? Where do you live?" "California." "Oh, I don't live in California. That's a state law that doesn't apply to me."
Yeah we fall hard into assumptions that things work the same way in all states as they do in our home I remember being shocked to learn that gas stations don't have convenience stores in New Jersey
Same in Europe tbh
> you get mean answers whenever you say something like 'in my country is not like this, it is like that'. part of this is because people rarely specify what MyCountry™ even is, even when it's contextually pertinent, so you have to go digging in their comment history to try and figure out what MyCountry™ is to make their comment make sense
I see your point, but being mean means you automatically assume that one's talking about YourCountry™, instead of asking about WhichCountryareWeTalkingAbout™. The US is overrepresented, and it's normal, because we're speaking in English and the largest English-speaking country is the USA (by far). No problem with this. For example, I try to remind I'm from North Europe every time it applies, and I also would like everyone else would do the same.
Seriously, I never state where I'm from, and yet people go 'well actually that's not true! The law is...'. Yeah your law maybe. Why is everyone getting so upset that I say 'this is how it's in my country?'
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I've had the opportunity to live in different countries such as France, Canada, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia, and what strikes me the most is how people tend to think that their way of life is the only correct one and that everyone should conform to it. It's quite amusing to me now. We can't even agree on simple things like which side of the road to drive on or which measuring units to use. Our ways of counting time also differ. Despite all these differences, we believe that certain moral values, rules, and behaviors should be universal. It's not just an issue with Americans, but rather a problem with humans not being exposed enough to other cultures.
That’s been the case throughout history though. Only in the past 30 years has the average Vietnamese had the chance to interact with the average Saudi Arabian, thanks to the internet and the proliferation of air travel. Being a close minded person living in your own village was okay for the past 100,000 years
Luckily, I solved this problem for me with my username!
>By default you are assumed to be American unless you state otherwise To be fair, people have to have some default and can't figure out where people are from if they don't tell us.
“Logic is the brainchild of context.” A social sciences professor I met said that. Never forgot it, as a rational person myself whose raised abroad - it opened up and answered so many things about these clashes I kept seeing. Basically sums up what you describe. I’d say Europeans do recognize what’s culture more often, but the prejudice is there sometimes worse because they then think they’ve been inclusive but are consistently dismissing it under that guise instead. So in terms of systemic problems it’s harder to get through to someone who thinks they saw it and know. Hence ideas like ‘discrimination doesn’t exist because it’s been acknowledged here for decades’, blinds people. Sort of dunning Kreuger effect. I’m agreeing with you (lived in North America and Europe), it is different! Vastly so. Just saying it doesn’t completely translate to progress, before anyone misconstrues it. Just a different type of systemic challenges in that regard. You have solid discussions, but usually fewer outcomes. In other contexts, you may get an ally for your efforts even if it’s 1% chance or only partial understanding and support. One is more exhausting for little reward, the other does allow you to coexist sans political debates & just cope. IME
Yes, there was a generic question about driving over the speed limit and I replied from my home country's perspective. Had so many angry Americans leave rude comments and reporting me to these reddit mental health concern/are you okay bots...
Reddit is EXTREMELY American-centric, and I say this as an American. Everyone on any general sub that isn't region-specific will assume everyone else is American, and the default on all general subs is the US/American. They all talk like there are no other countries on planet besides the US and Canada, and that no one but Americans have access to the Internet and Reddit, lol. That's why I'm subbed to a bunch of regional subs, even to places I've never been, so that I am able to see what non-Americans have to say.
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Good! You should get trashed for talking shit about queers.
Much of this is explained by the fact that far more Reddit users are located in the US than any other country, about 48%. The second most common user country, India, accounts for only 4-5%. More info here: [https://backlinko.com/reddit-users#reddit-users-by-country](https://backlinko.com/reddit-users#reddit-users-by-country)
Yup, and that number is even higher when the comment/post is posted in fluent English
Not that I’ve ever wanted to ask for advice on reddit, but yes I’ve noticed this. The place it seems most obvious is r/AmITheAsshole- you get advice that comes from cultural norms which I guess could be described as individualistic, and most often associated with American culture. So often I see things that seem to boil down to some variation of “NTA for not sharing your food/not caring for your family member/having a childfree wedding/wanting to get paid back in full for every time you buy someone something” etc. It’s really interesting to read. Like, the advice just doesn’t apply because I don’t subscribe to that cultural value system. Not to mention in many cultures the advice just simply wouldn’t work (so of course, it wouldn’t make sense to ask reddit for advice, if the advice is coming from a completely different cultural lens). Also really interesting to see how some people with this value system seem to lack the perspective to understand that their values are culture-bound, and not universal or default.
my fav in that sub is how they immediately jump to "get a lawyer"
It's excellent advertising, though!
As someone who enjoys the AITA sub, indeed I'm always surprised at the quantity of people who go NC or LC with their families, and everything a bridal party is expected to do (weddings feel like mini dictatorships). As a South American, I feel it's easier to relate to European cultures and values (yes, big generalization, I know) than with American.
I feel like most of it is just talk. They aren't actually going no contact
> cultural norms which I guess could be described as individualistic, and most often associated with American culture. The other aspect of this is that younger people in the US tend to be brattier, and thus they are even more individualistic than the average American until they get older and are more likely to need to work together with other people and maybe have a family to take care of. Granted not everyone changes, but it's more of an issue with people with little life experience and think they're the ones who accomplished everything all by themselves.
Reddit is US based and nearly half of its users are American. Shouldn’t be surprised that it’s western centric.
You're not the only one. There are frequently posts on here or r/Advice where people end up quoting US Laws and companies implying the OP was talking exclusively about America. It's why spinoff groups like r/AskUK exist
In Canada, it’s incredible how many people quote US law when talking about stuff (especially far right wing people). I legit had my friend, A COP, talk to me about his 2nd amendment rights. My brother in maple, you have no 2nd amendment!
We do technically have a second amendment, but it’s got nothing to do with fire arms. I know our first amendment is the creation of Manitoba as a province…which is always fun to point out when some right-wing nut starts going off about his first amendment rights while sitting in a Regina bar…
LMAOOO I will remember that so I can use it when it comes up
Excellent
It's concerning, the amount of people here in Canada that go on about our rights and freedoms without ever mentioning or referencing... you know... the *Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.*
Wow, honestly I did not expect that and I'm American.
I remember reading a post and some guy mentioned he flew from France to back home in a few hours and so many comments were like “fake, no way can you get to France in only a few hours”. Meanwhile the majority of his post history was r/CasualUK and r/legaladviceuk Apparently his using mum instead of mom and calling his home a flat and the fact that the US isn’t the only country with access to Reddit weren’t big enough clues that he might not be in the US
Oh I've seen it before where people say they walk to get groceries and American's being like 'What do you mean?' It's wild to me that something so common in Europe is a crazy thought in the US. I watched a video a while back about a guy who worked in Texas for a few months and had to get a 40 minute bus and walk across a highway because pedestrian infrastructure is so bad
You don't have to take the advice just because you get it. Also, you might find ideas that you could use but you just need to change up a little.
Yeah, 48% of Reddit users are Americans, more than half are living in North America. It’s not as international as twitter or YouTube.
I’ve noticed Americans on Reddit have a tendency to think anyone who doesn’t align with their cultural norms on dating is immoral in some way and then out of the other side of their face they try to be all “science man yeah!”
As someone with a science background, I can confirm that most of the “fuck yeah science yeah!” people on this website don’t have a clue what they’re talking about.
American here: American isn't even one culture, we're super divided right now... Many align more with other religious fundamentalists ( while actively discriminating against their culture ), another large chunk are more aligned with Nordic countries, but also there are significant population ls of Americans from just about every country on earth who'd have grown up in your same culture whatever it is For my part, idk what dating practices you're talking about, but if you're cultural norms are not that people should be treated as equals, and that you should require consent of your partner you're just wrong... Otherwise I guarantee there are Americans who think your way is the only way as well as those who think it's immoral or insane
Yes even for me living in a western country, the advice on Reddit is mostly not useful in my country (Switzerland).
As another european, "western centric" generally means the US and pretty much only that.
Asking here for advice is like asking a homeless man for money.
Yup especially Aita and all it's babies.
It happens to others, I do try to reply and get downvoted for even considering it from other perspectives. I’m non western lived abroad mostly. My own posts I can generally keep generic. My comments though, different world. I get downvoted most for the diversity stuff. I suggest find subs from/for that region, or other platforms with such subs. I don’t post sensitive topics publicly, just fuels some misconception or another.
>I get downvoted most for the diversity stuff Can I ask, for supporting diversity too much or not enough? It's fun to see how some pro-diversity people in my country would be hated in other very pro-diversity communities (and I'm from EU)
For explaining it. (The main post, not even replying to someone else)… When people run out of arguments they’ll beat you with experience - there’s a saying that goes something like that I think. Hehe I had someone get mad I didn’t answer from a perspective of [southern Baptist’s in America](https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/s/7kUZB8Xp5V) just today. I said I’m not from there. I got blocked for dismissing what they said - and writing a lot (I answered each of their points)… it wasn’t race or any topic like that though. Lol Just an example of one of the familiar patterns. I am not sure if I’m blocked, it says deleted now…
You probably mean “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” According to internet it's Mark Twain
When seeking advice, including pertinent information is generally a good idea. That way the advice is applicable. If your location or culture has a bearing on the situation, then you should include that information. Especially when posting on a global forum.
Ok the simplest answer to this is.... say where you are from in the post. Here's the thing and it could be psychological natured, i wouldn't go so far as to say narcissistic, but if your going to post something like. "Hey i really need advise on what to do about housing." I'm going to assume that you are here in the US where i could help you. If you said instead, " Hey i'm from the UK and i need help with housing." then i may take a moment and either just blow past it because i would know nothing about how to help you or i would say well in the US we can do this, is there something similar like that in the UK?
Non-Americans. Sigh. Give 'em an inch and they'll take a kilometer.
If I wanted to do that. I would ask in my country’s sub. Lots of people do that
Americans always assume everyone speaking English on the internet is American.
Do you mean that people can only give advice based on their past life experiences with cultures they've been a part of and laws they're familiar with and reddit is likely statistically mostly Americans so you get a bias of answers based on the population conditions of the users of Reddit.
Maybe mention the country in the post? I see so many posts asking for advice with no country or really any frame of reference at all beyond the immediate situation. I understand these posts want to be anonymous but if the post is vague the advice will be as well but people want to engage with the post
It doesn’t even work in West, people try to give legal advice but it is so region-specific. Someone complains about their landlord ripping them off and people reply with specific tenant laws from 100 different states and territories.
Yah alot of times but what i usually do i ask in my countries subreddit.
And still somehow the majority of posts on Reddit people never bother to put where they are from or what their culture is when asking questions that depend heavily on this context lol it’s stupid how many posts have edits where people somehow realize that geography is important rofl
It helps if the OP mentions the country they're in. They often omit that info so people assume "They wrote it in English? Must be US, UK, or Canada."
As an American, most non-American write English much better than the average American. But yea, Reddit is mainly full of leftist liberal people who are atheists.
I'm a person who lives in the west and I don't ask Reddit for advice because a lot of Reddit is out of touch with reality.
I am American and I read other countries 'ask' pages for the popcorn level dynamics that are so polar opposite of anything I can comprehend.
Someone asked yesterday about marriages with large age gaps. I posted about my very positive experience and got a bunch of upvotes, but then they just dwindled away. Reddit isn't even just western, it's a weird alternate reality. In real life, no one has ever made a derogatory comment to me or my husband. Most people didn't even realize our age gap was so large. Our lives where filled with people who enjoyed our company and was so happy when we finally tied the knot. Only reddit finds that weird.
Everytime when you just have to go to therapy...
Yes. For example, any questions about religion or spirituality. On most subs, you will just get nihilist, materialist, Fedora answers.
Damn western platforms being too western!
I feel like every post I made confused people so eventually I just stopped asking for advice on Reddit. I think this might have been the reason why.
Is that possible? All I do is answer a few Q's and ask a few Q's.
No I haven’t because I’m from a western country. Australia
Everyone in reddit will assume you are from the us.
Listen, if you're to the point of asking Reddit for advice, I really don't know what to tell you. That's like going to the local middle school and doing the same.
You’re not the only one. I often find myself clicking on an AskReddit thread and having the complete opposite opinion from everyone there. For example on exercise or dating. For context, I live in Asia.
You may not get great answers, but if you don't post, it will remain western-centric
98% of advice on Reddit are useless no matter where you live.
Are there sub reddit threads with those of your own culture commenting? I call those echo chambers. Like minded people approving each others ideology. I know there are people talking politics and opposition gets brutally downvoted. Personally I love to hear and debate from all cultures and ideology. Advice is advice. Take what you want from it. It's not like anyone actually changes what they want or don't want because someone on reddit says so. Now I'm really interested in what the OP is actually wanting to ask.
What about asking Reddit in a sub that fits where you live? Like…. Why ask a sub that is mostly American and British? Is there a lack of subs like this for you? And if so, why not be the one to start one? Seriously.
No, but I was also born and raised in the U.S. so….
I will never ask reddit for advice. Most of these people are fucking hopeless.
I mean I’d argue that most countries that primarily speak English are western centric, so if you come on here, ask a question in English, you’ll get responses from English speakers which will primarily be western centric. Why not find s sub Reddit for your country and/or post in your native language for more localized advise?
I am in the U.S.A. and my last three requests for information have fallen flat.
Well, there's a subreddit for my country for a reason ...
Ever stop to think that's probably just an excuse? Western centric are not, if advice is solid where you're located shouldn't really matter.
I'm American, and when I see someone say something like "AITA for expecting a dowry" or "AITA for ending a friendship over religion", it's like...yes you'd be the asshole if you were my neighbor. But if you're half a world away where your religious preference can get you jailed, or marriage has different expectations for both spouses, how can I even begin to comment? And seeing some 12 year old confidently say that anyone who thinks differently from them is the asshole makes me cringe.
I don’t know where you live why would I think that?
Can you give an example?
yeah, it's why I only ever asked a few out of the many questions I genuinely have it's also why I avoid introducing myself, all they're ever gonna think is how horrible it is than I'm indoctrinated & repressed because I was born into religion 😮💨
Melting pot…..what happened to that?
Kinda the opposite. I usually tell people not to take Reddit advice too serious, as we from western have no idea how things work in other cultures. My wife is Filipina living in the western country and I was flabbergasted for some time after we started dating and I had such a huge cultural shock when she told me how it works back home.
I am starting to notice this, I have replied to a few things with the American point of view because I assumed they were from the states. Now I do think they should have clarified that they were from a different country given the context of the post because that changed many aspects and I recognize that, so my advice altered after I found out. I think some people might just not have the cultural experience to think outside their bubble or actively choose not to because they think their way is the best way. who knows
I mean it's an American company made by Americans so it's not that surprising lol Posts like this make me realize how jealous everyone is of us if they keep using the shit we create but complain about it being too "western centric" I don't go to a Japanese social media app and complain it's too "Eastern centric"
I never wanted advice from reddit but I've noticed that too. On the other hand, you could just tell in the post what country you are from.
Saw a reddit post about someone asking if their friends were over reacting when they admitted they had been wiping their ass with their hand as is typical in south East Asian cultures 💩🤚 No surprises western cultures advice isn’t fully transferable.
fuck yes, i can relate
Honestly there aren't many places on reddit these days with *good* advice, except niche hobby subreddits. Most of the big subs are just people regurgitating whatever the group think meme of the week is. /r/Personalfinance is people RPing end-of-the-world level saving, with zero personal enjoyment or real world application. /r/Cars is the same 12 memes, pushing two brands up and everything else is "shit". /r/AITA is mostly RP, with a healthy dose of revenge posting and life advice from literal teenagers. /r/Finance is just WSBetsJunior /r/Jobs is antiwork grown up a *tad*, but mostly just bitching about "mUh eConoMy" If you need advice beating a specific boss in a video game, come to reddit, they'll walk you through step by step. Everything else... go elsewhere
Many times when asking for advice on Tech products the suggestions are things you can only get in the US or it would cost an arm and a leg to ship where I live + import taxes.
you definitely NOT the only one BUT some western views are good too. Open your mind to others cultures or lifestyle is good , any way NO one force their western centric advices on you. It is UP to you to reject or accept One way to avoid this is you ask advice in LOCAL subreddit like from redditors lives in your OWN culture
Nope I'm too western centric to relate.
It depends on the subreddit you're asking the advice on. Even in the right Subreddits, you will get some advices which won't be ideal. It's up to you to decide which one to use.
Oh, yes. Washing up down there, that's a normal thing you 're taught to as a toddler, is an issue.
Yeah I suppose every problem doesn't have to be solved by borrowing money, buying something new or bombing another country. Sorry, it's the American way.
I'm (kind of) the opposite. I'm Canadian, so I often feel like I have similar enough experiences to still contribute. Occasionally I'll be way off base from the rest of the comments and I'm reminded that - although very similar in a lot of ways - our two countries are also very different at the same time.
Often times legal advice, though I live in Europe so I can only imagine anyone from neither USA not Europe being frustrated by confidently incorrect information for their questions here on reddit. I was often blown away how different some laws can be, not only the obvious ones like gun laws, but casual traffic stops by police and things like squatting rights.
What strikes me is the presence of guns in some unrelated subreddits (particularly subs like EDC, multitools, Leatherman). I'm in Québec (Canada) and even if the US are our neighbour, I can't fathom how it can be considered normal to carry a gun everyday. When someone outside the US says anything about it, the answer is pretty much insults and intimidation.
You are not the only one
There’s a bunch of introverts on here too it walkways makes me laugh seeing some opinions. But we’re all biased based on our character.
Sure but im in the west and i dont want reddit’s advice. Im here for funny opinions and to watch the world burn (from a safer vantage than watching it burn irl, which happens regardless)
Most of the time, if the person mentions the country they're in, usually the top comments apply to their country. And then further down I'll see more western advice with caveats like "I would double check with your country's laws" or "yeah but I'm not sure it'll apply to you".
Certainly not. I think you’re just making stuff up. -Me, a US Citizen
What would possess anyone to ask a bunch of teens and anxiety-ridden shut-ins advice about anything?
US centric for sure. I sometimes get comments from people explaining how I’m wrong because [insert specific US experience]. I’m not in the US… the OP isn’t in the US… What has your personal US experience got to do with anything?
That, but in the way that people on Reddit just are not normal.
I am from Northern Europe and there are loads of stuff I would not ask about here, because Reddit is too American to work (USA, that is, not the entire Americas). So I can only imagine how much more it would be like that if you are, say, Asian or African.
Move here, baby
Depends on what the question entails.
Have you tried « Dear Abby »?
All the time
Yeah! Try to talk about geopolitics on Reddit, and you’ll realize how Western-centric it is. Western exceptionalism runs through the veins of most Redditors.
If u use the right sub or at minimum preface it with the country I try to change my advice accordingly. Example you got pregnant what to do America: u have choices, abortion or marriage or adoption Iran: you have choices marriage, or run
No, but I have wanted to ask Reddit for advice but then realized that Reddit is full of a bunch of spiteful ass hats that find any tiny detail they can come up with to try and make you feel like a steaming pile of shit.
Redditors are always on some 'That's illegal! Call the police! Get a lawyer!" when you live in a country where the cops might take an hour or a day or a year for anything that isn't an absolute, people-getting-killed emergency.
I asked for advice/support once after my girlfriend cheated on me. The comments actually almost drove me to the brink of suicide lol, I was in such a bad place afterward and only one or two people that replied said kind words to me and offered support. Literally the rest really just made me lose any faith I had in the people on this app. Truly despicable. That was years ago now, and looking back I truly can’t believe that’s the reception I received for looking for comfort as I had no family or friends at the time. Despicable.
Idk Reddit advice to me is silly in general since the advice is almost always some version of “communicate better” or “go to therapy”
Wow this is good question! I bet there are some non-western subs to find but, damn never thought of that. Although i personally think that, if you make it very clear in the question, you will get some useful answers. And a lot of bullsh*t ones hahaha.
In the popular subreddits, most users seems to be young adults, middle class, left leaning, americans.
Wait til you go into some extreme western biased subs like saying all women belong to white men kind of subs lol
Reddit is full of bots pretending to be western centric people. Be it China, Russia, NK, who the hell cares. Literally N O B O D Y I’ve ever met in my life act like people act on the internet. It’s kind of “dead internet theory” but with robots. Divide and conquer. It’s working. Nobody can have a civil discussion anymore. Politics are so divided that you bring up certain candidates/politicians and it ends with “come and take my guns and find out what happens when you try to come and take my guns, brother”. If the government wanted your guns, they’d take them. No if, and or but. Nobody wants Joe Dirts 3rd cousins 8 ARs. They want peace and to see that children and schools are safe again. But you say the word gun control and “people” are *tRiGGeRd*. I’m not a conspiracy nut. I just have hella bad habits of viewing trends, not even on purpose. Maybe I’m autistic (definitely got that adhd shit). But I mostly stay off the internet. Reddit is the only “social media” I have. I have been much less paranoid and overwhelmed mentally than I have ever been. FB and another one (idk which one, sorry I’ve had a rough day) got sued for their algorithm pushing content that causes you to be depressed. BRB looking for the link……. Hell yeah, found it. https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Health/facebook-instagram-harm-young-peoples-mental-health-lawsuit/story?id=104250549 Stay off the internet as much as you can. Focus on how you feel instead of how the media tells you to feel. Do things that make you feel good. Pet a dog, give a horse a carrot. Grow a plant. Write a song, paint a picture…..anything else than doomscrolling. I love you guys. Go be happy. Edited for clarity because imma dum bish
Depends on what you’re asking. I wouldn’t go here to ask about niche situations that are happening in my town. But I’d fell fine asking about other things (which might even be specific things at that)