Is it normal to think that the is it normal voting function is being abused?

76% Normal
9 Comments

I think that the "Is It Normal" questions are being abused. They are supposed to be used to ask whether something is normal or not, but instead it is being used to say "I think this is acceptable/unacceptable" or "I do/do not agree", instead of "It is/is not normal" like it was originally intended to be. I mean there are many things that are considered good but abnormal, like Mother Teresa's generosity, and vice versa too. Such posts often get voted as normal, just because it is commended.

Is it normal to think this?

Voting Results
76% Normal
Based on 17 votes (13 yes)
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Comments ( 9 )
  • gashlover
    9 years ago

    is it normal i got a boner 24/7?

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  • Haddaway
    9 years ago

    smack smack on that ass

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  • lolol555
    9 years ago

    Normal can be interpreted in different ways though. It can be interpreted as your behaviour being common or socially acceptable.
    Here's the definition, it's pretty ambiguous if you ask me:
    normal
    ˈnɔːm(ə)l/Submit
    adjective
    1.
    conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
    "it's quite normal for puppies to bolt their food"

    Maybe being as generous as mother Teresa isn't common but it could be considered "conforming to a standard" because - generally speaking - society wouldn't have a problem with it.

    Well, hm, I would say the definition leans towards normal meaning "common" but at the same time it could be interpreted otherwise.

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    • dom180
      9 years ago

      I think you're spot on.

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      • lolol555
        9 years ago

        aw thank you domino

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  • [Old Memory]
    9 years ago

    The voting response should not be taken too seriously.

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  • dom180
    9 years ago

    I don't agree. I think it's too far to call it an abuse, or even a misuse. "Normal" is not a perfect synonym for "common". It can be equally interpreted in reference to societal or individual "norms", or in reference to a reflection of human nature, or in reference to the predictability of a behaviour. I don't think this site exists just to determine what is common, because the word "normal" is a lot more nuanced than that. If this site was solely dedicated to thinking about what is common, it would be a lot less interesting to me.

    I understand that the subjectivity of the definition of "normal" is probably frustrating for people interested in the quantitative data, since it makes the percentage generated a lot less meaningful. However, I think the qualitative data - the comments - are a lot more useful and important. Oftentimes you can work out what sort of definition of normal is most salient in each case from the nature of the OP, so it isn't as if the voters are shooting in the dark when they decide how to vote. Furthermore, you could say it's a good thing that different people interpret "normal" in different ways because it reflects the diversity in ways of thinking.

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  • donotmockme
    9 years ago

    I love the posts that just make statements and then sneakily try to add on "is it normal" at the end. Example: "I love my boyfriend, he's so attractive, I can't believe I found the one! ....Is it normal?" and "I think Halo is my new addiction. The game is so amazing and the monsters are so beautiful. Is it normal?"

    That just makes me want to go ... -_-

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  • disthing
    9 years ago

    Yes.

    I made a post about this a while ago:
    http://isitnormal.com/poll/iin-i-think-many-here-dont-know-what-the-word-normal-means-163846/

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