It is plausible, but as a newbie when I saw my "level 1" I just wanted to get started (and trust me, I'm one to get intimidated as a new user - it took me months to comment on reddit). And of course, it helps that I get a very cheerful notification telling me I got XP just for talking to someone nice! The level system really isn't intimidating, and it's been very helpful in finding out who knows more about the site, who to follow, etc.
It is plausible, but as a newbie when I saw my "level 1" I just wanted to get started (and trust me, I'm one to get intimidated as a new user - it took me months to comment on reddit). And of course, it helps that I get a very cheerful notification telling me I got XP just for talking to someone nice! The level system really isn't intimidating, and it's been very helpful in finding out who knows more about the site, who to follow, etc.