Showerthought: The way people ask for help online has really shifted in the last five years.

I used to see a lot of very short, simple questions, like 'how do I fix a leaky faucet?' Now, the posts are much longer. People give their full story, list what they've already tried, and often include pictures or videos. I think this change started around 2019 when phone cameras got really good and posting images became easier on most forums. It means answers are more accurate, but you have to read a whole paragraph first. Has anyone else noticed this, or is it just in the DIY groups I follow?

2 comments

2 Comments

simonlee28d ago

Wait, 2019? Phone cameras were already great way before that. I had a phone in 2017 that took pictures good enough to show a broken pipe thread. The shift feels older to me.

mason_davis28d ago

Yeah the pipe thread example is a good one. I just used my phone for a leak under the sink last year. Got a clear shot of the fitting, showed the guy at the hardware store, he knew exactly what part I needed.