Some of the “elders” might have experienced and even went along with bad ideas earlier in their lives despite their best intentions. So instead of saying “no, that is wrong” they’re questioning random shit posts, because sarcasm is just not the best way to communicate between people with different references.

When they ask “who are these people” they really mean “source” to make you question the origin of the idea that you’re presenting - even if it’s sarcasm.