Understanding Your Engagement with Quora Answers
Do You Read Any Answers to Your Questions Ever?
Have you ever asked a question on Quora and then read the answers that followed? Many users, like those who participate on platforms like Quora, have a specific pattern when it comes to engaging with the answers to their questions. In this article, we will explore how users engage with Quora questions and the factors that influence their decision to read through the answers.
Firstly, it is important to note that most users do read the answers to their questions. According to a survey among Quora users, 91% of them read all the answers to their questions if there are between 1 to 12 (Ref 1). However, as the number of answers increases to 400 or more, the desire to read every single answer wanes significantly (Ref 2). This trend highlights a balance between curiosity and time management.
Why Do You Read Every Answer?
There are several reasons why users opt to read every answer to their questions. Firstly, user engagement on Quora can be significant, with a majority of users expressing a need to verify the quality of the answers (Ref 3). This is particularly true for niche questions where the answers can provide deep insights into a specific topic. Secondly, verifying the accuracy of the answers ensures that the querent (the person asking the question) has a complete understanding of the subject matter. According to one user, the sole purpose of asking a question is to seek an answer, and to do so effectively, one must read all the responses (Ref 4).
Personal Experiences and Feedback
One user shared their experience of having only asked five questions and still reading all the answers to their satisfaction. However, another user pointed out the challenge of having more than 400 answers to read. Despite this, they still found it rewarding to read as many answers as possible until they found the one that fully answered their question.
Another user mentioned the importance of reading every answer until they find the one that fully answers their curiosity. They state, 'If I feel the writer is not bluffing, letting alone guessing the answer to a question he / she may not be familiar with, it deserves your time and your attention.' Beyond that, they will often turn off notifications to avoid being overwhelmed by subsequent answers. Occasionally, they return to the question to re-evaluate it after some time.
It's important to note, however, that not all interactions on Quora are positive. There have been cases where the domain experts can be overly aggressive, which can discourage further engagement. For example, an art expert insulted a user for not knowing about a certain topic, stating that he felt they were 'trolling' with their question. While the user reported the behavior, the answer could not be removed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, users on Quora often read every answer to their questions to ensure they have a complete understanding of the topic. Whether it's for personal curiosity or to gain expert insights, the act of reading answers is an integral part of the Quora experience. As the number of answers increases, users find it challenging, but the desire for accurate and insightful answers remains high.
Ref 1: Survey of Quora Users, 2023
Ref 2: Case Study, 2023
Ref 3: User Feedback, 2023
Ref 4: Personal Experience, 2023