Expectation
Overview
Expectation refers to the predictions, hopes, and outlook we hold about future events or other people's actions. In psychology, expectation is treated as a factor that motivates behavior. According to Victor Vroom's expectancy theory, people are strongly motivated when three expectations line up: "effort will lead to results," "results will lead to rewards," and "those rewards are worth having."
Expectation has two sides. Moderate expectations encourage action and support growth. But excessive expectations tend to create disappointment through the gap with reality. This mechanism of expectation is hidden in the exchanges in a question box too.
How expectations work in a question box
Several expectations cross paths in a question box. Senders send questions expecting that "I'll probably get a fun answer" or "they'll probably answer seriously." The person answering opens the question box expecting that "good questions will probably come in" or "people will probably enjoy my answers."
When these expectations are met, the question box becomes a fun place. But when they're let down, the sender feels "if this is the sloppy answer I get, I shouldn't have asked," and the person answering feels "I wasted my time on such a pointless question." Mismatched expectations create dissatisfaction in question boxes.
Managing expectations
One key to running a question box in a healthy way is managing expectations. On the answering side, show in advance through your profile and past answers that "this is the style I answer in." Are you the type who answers carefully at length, or the type who answers briefly and snappily? Set expectations appropriately and reduce disappointment caused by the gap.
On the sender's side, it's good to let go of the expectation that "I'll get an answer for sure." A question box is not a service that guarantees answers. A mindset of "I'm lucky if they answer" is the foundation for enjoying anonymous communication. Not expecting too much isn't being cold. It's an attitude that respects the other person's freedom.