Stop Asking People 'What Do You Do?' | Hacker News Reader

Stop Asking People 'What Do You Do?'

wsj.com

1 pointimpish92088 comments

It’s an invitation to talk about yourself. Since it’s so common, why not have an answer (or several, depending on the situation) that keeps the conversation going?

Helped me when I felt less confident about my place in the world. Berating people for smalltalk isn’t going to work.

I'm fortunate. A few decades ago, this was a common question people asked each other when being introduced. But in my part of the US, it's become exceedingly rare.

I would never ask such a question of someone unless it was somehow pertinent to the conversation or I already had established some sort of relationship with them, and I'm very pleased that I rarely get asked it anymore.

I've seen variations on this article about 5 times in the past 15 years. First time was after the 2008-9 financial crisis.

Why do journalists keep recycling this stuff?

Can't have the lazy proletariat forging in real life connections and asking questions. They've got a fresh new pod for you to live in and all the crickets you can eat.

Especially on the verge of the depression at a moment when some people are going to be seriously wondering what Article 4 Section 4 implies.

You must suffer through this existence alone, afraid, and dependent.

You aptly pointed out yourself that this stuff gets rolled out when things are going bad for basically everyone - probably a thread worth pulling on there.

Dial it back brother.

Eh, I'm being a tad facetious here. But at the end of the day it's true: When things are going bad for people in general, you will see an uptick in articles actively promoting anti-social behavior and lifestyle choices. You will also see an uptick of articles glamorizing childlessness in these times.

It's not an illogical leap to say this is done on purpose to isolate and marginalize people that may otherwise be outspoken and organize collective action.

At this point, I honestly see these articles as pre-indicators of a recession, based on historical observations in my old age, which is basically like the original person who touched on that very thread.

I guess if it was too hyperbolic to see my point, sorry I guess? The point stands though.

I ask people how they spend their time.

“What do you do for fun?” “What are your dreams and goals?” “What sparks joy in your life?”

Reply on news.ycombinator.com