Why does half of the population tell you that q-tipping is bad for you, but people do it anyway and q-tips are regularly sold?

Before anyone starts yes - earwax naturally falls out. I don't think that's why people do it though. Cleaning your ears is pleasurable. There are parlors specifically for ear cleaning. Something people actually pay for.

I'm beginning to think this is basically cigarettes/liquor where people know its bad for them but we do it anyway because "it's your right to harm yourself."

But is q-tipping really bad, or are people online just giving tenuous advice whereas a medical professional probably told them "it should be done carefully and by a professional?"

I would think there'd be a larger discussion in the medical community/something that would be put on a label somewhere if it were truly harmful.