The behavior you describe on Reddit, where people accuse others of being trolls and respond rudely to genuine, non-offensive questions, can be attributed to several factors:
Anonymity: Reddit allows users to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms. This anonymity can lead to a lack of accountability, making some users feel emboldened to act rudely without consequences.
Online Disinhibition Effect: When people communicate online, they often experience a reduced sense of social restraint compared to face-to-face interactions. This phenomenon, known as the online disinhibition effect, can lead to more aggressive or impolite behavior.
Confirmation Bias: Some users on Reddit may have preconceived notions or biases about certain topics or groups of people. When confronted with a question that challenges their beliefs, they may perceive it as trolling rather than a genuine inquiry.
Trolling Culture: Reddit has a history of trolling and humorous content, and this culture can sometimes make it difficult to differentiate genuine questions from trolling attempts.
Frustration with Repetitive Content: On popular subreddits, certain questions or topics may be asked repeatedly. Regular users might become frustrated with seeing the same content repeatedly and respond rudely as a result.
Group Mentality: Reddit is composed of various communities, often called subreddits, where like-minded individuals gather. In some cases, members of a specific subreddit may exhibit a "group mentality," leading to a defensive or aggressive response to perceived outsiders.
Misinterpretation of Intent: Text-based communication lacks tone and facial expressions, making it easier for users to misinterpret the intentions behind a question. Innocent inquiries may be mistakenly perceived as provocative or sarcastic.
Lack of Patience: In the fast-paced online environment, users may not take the time to carefully read and understand a question before responding, leading to misinterpretations and inappropriate reactions.
While these factors can contribute to rude behavior, it's important to note that not all users on Reddit behave this way. Reddit has many positive and supportive communities, but like any online platform, it also has its share of negative interactions.
If you encounter rude responses to your genuine questions, don't be discouraged. Try to find smaller, more specialized subreddits related to your interests, as they often have more positive and helpful communities. Additionally, consider using polite language, clarifying your intentions, and engaging in respectful discussions to foster a more constructive atmosphere. Remember that the behavior of others is a reflection of them, not necessarily of you or your questions.