Is it just my experience or are people afraid to express their opinions when asked directly in fear of being judged?

Whenever I try seriously discussing something with someone I always get answers like, "well, i dunno" "i'm not sure" "no idea," etc. It's really quite frustrating because I'm trying to get out of my situation but people are giving these ambiguous answers as if they are afraid to express themselves to a stranger. I'm not even discussing any advanced subject either and just for a reference point I don't look bad, I'm healthy, getting exercise, and my clothing style is generally casual, very inconspicuous, nothing to arouse suspicion so it cannot be that.

I'm making eye contact with them too and I'm fairly straight forward. so in otherwords wtf?