A closer look at the anonymous platform allowing Singaporeans to ask the most pressing, and sometimes taboo, questions.
Growing up in Singapore, asking questions could often feel like a vulnerability. For many, especially in a culture that values politeness and conformity, speaking up in class or in public could feel like a risk—one that might lead to embarrassment. This apprehension to ask questions about sensitive topics like sex, relationships, and even personal habits has persisted into adulthood. However, there’s a new platform that is allowing Singaporeans to voice their curiosities without the fear of judgment: the Telegram channel Paiseh Questions.
Launched in November 2020, Paiseh Questions has rapidly gained popularity, amassing over 8,500 subscribers. This platform offers anonymity and a safe space for users to ask questions that they might otherwise hesitate to raise in public. Whether it’s about romantic relationships, embarrassing habits, or personal dilemmas, the channel’s contributors can submit their questions to an automated bot, which then broadcasts them for voting. The responses come as poll percentages, and each question can garner thousands of votes—creating an unexpected yet refreshing way for Singaporeans to engage in open discussions.
One of the most striking features of Paiseh Questions is the range of topics it covers. At times, the questions get quite bold, especially when it comes to sex and relationships. Many of the queries involve intimate topics, like masturbation or romantic dilemmas. The platform has revealed just how much curiosity exists about these often-taboo subjects in a society where discussing them openly can feel uncomfortable or inappropriate.
For example, early questions on the platform dealt with masturbation in public settings or in front of others. The channel is filled with such questions, reflecting a broader cultural shift where people are eager to discuss things they were once too afraid to bring up. The anonymity of the platform provides a shield for people to engage with these topics without fear of retribution or shame.
Amidst the sex-related questions, Paiseh Questions also delves into moral quandaries. Many users submit questions about their romantic relationships, asking for advice on how to handle situations that could potentially hurt their partner or family. These kinds of dilemmas often invite strong opinions from the crowd, with some questions even drawing the participation of thousands of subscribers. One example involved a situation where 85% of respondents were against their partner traveling abroad with someone of the opposite sex who had feelings for them. The overwhelming response from subscribers reveals a growing interest in maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships.
Some questions are less serious, offering a glimpse into the quirky side of life. For instance, one user asked if people removed their masks while using public toilets during the height of the pandemic—a lighthearted yet insightful question that opened a window into the little moments we often overlook. Other questions, like the infamous debate about whether one should shower in the morning, tap into cultural habits and norms, with 47% of respondents admitting they don’t bother showering in the morning, regardless of their sleeping conditions.
Perhaps the most entertaining part of the platform is the hypothetical “Would You Rather?” questions. These often absurd or difficult choices provide humor and a sense of camaraderie as users weigh in on quirky dilemmas. It’s moments like these that make Paiseh Questions not just a place for serious discussions but also a refuge for those seeking to unwind and share a laugh.
By fostering a sense of anonymity, Paiseh Questions offers a space for Singaporeans to ask the things they would otherwise feel too embarrassed to ask in real life. In a society where privacy and decorum are often prioritized, this platform gives voice to questions that reveal deeper aspects of Singaporean life—issues that are seldom spoken about publicly but remain a significant part of the collective experience.
At its core, Paiseh Questions reflects a new way for Singaporeans to engage in difficult or embarrassing conversations. It’s not just a place for curiosity—it’s a window into the cultural zeitgeist of a society that’s slowly but surely becoming more open to discussing its taboos.
