Quora's Decline: The Overwhelming Tide of Useless Questions and the Role of Compulsive Trollers
Quora, a platform designed to foster quality and insightful discussion, has faced a significant challenge in recent years. This issue extends beyond merely the occasional inane question or troll post; it's a systemic problem driven by a group of compulsive troll feeders. This essay explores the extent of the problem and how it has affected what was once a highly regarded community.
The Impact of Useless Questions and Troll Feeders
Two years ago, I began to systematically block and mute anyone who posted pointless or random questions. My rationale for this action was straightforward: any account engaged in such behavior was removed from my feed, ensuring that my experience remained of notable quality. Notably, I refrain from openly pointing out why a question is pointless, as this would only serve to validate and perhaps even encourage the behavior.
The problem lies not in the occasional joke question or troll post but in the persistent and rewarding behavior of those who enable and encourage these trolls. These individuals, whom I refer to as 'compulsive troll feeders,' constantly reward and reinforce the trolls, making it seem as though there are countless 'pathetic idiots' willing to engage with nonsensical questions. This creates an environment where trolls feel empowered and validated.
The dynamic between trolls and compulsive troll feeders is almost symbiotic. Trolls post inane questions to prove that there are many people eager to respond, while compulsive troll feeders continually write responses that ostensibly assert their intelligence but often detract from the quality of the content. The result is a feed filled with irrelevant and trivial answers that contribute little to the overall value of the platform.
The Consequences of Inaction: A Decade-Long Addiction
The compounding effect of this behavior is severe. It led me to confront a decade-long addiction to Quora. My recovery began after I realized that I couldn't resist responding to even the most trivial questions. This became a cycle that perpetuated itself, leading to a flood of pointless answers in my feed.
A pattern emerged: trolls would ask inane questions with the intention of proving there were many people willing to respond foolishly, while compulsive troll feeders would write answers that made them feel smart but, in reality, proved nothing more than their own compulsion to engage. This cycle was so prevalent that it significantly impacted the quality and utility of my experience on the platform.
Unfollowing compulsive troll feeders was the first step. Initially, it felt like a small measure, but over time, it translated to less interesting content and ultimately helped me cut my time spent on Quora from several hours a day to a few hours a week, and currently, nearly zero. It has been over a week since my last visit.
The Role of Quora's Leadership
The decline of Quora's quality is not just a result of user behavior; it is also a consequence of policy changes. In the early days, Quora prioritized high-quality questions, implementing measures such as canonical questions and merging similar inquiries. Additionally, there was an initiative to recognize 'top question writers.' However, the pendulum has swung dramatically post-2018, with the adoption of a 'quantity over quality' approach. Quora leadership made a deliberate policy choice to prioritize quantity, compromising the quality and depth of the content.
This shift was not a technical oversight; it was a conscious decision to prioritize the number of questions over the quality of the content. The result is a platform that feels more like a chaotic marketplace of ideas rather than a curated repository of insightful knowledge.
Conclusion
Compulsive troll feeders and the decline in question quality have significantly impacted my experience on Quora. Their behavior, while seemingly trivial, has contributed to a downward spiral in the platform's value. This essay acknowledges the challenges faced by Quora and reflects on the role that both users and leadership played in this change.
For Quora to regain its former glory, it must address these systemic issues. The platform must once again prioritize quality over quantity, and users must recognize the impact of their actions. In the meantime, I remain grateful to those troll feeders who helped me reclaim my time and focus on more productive endeavors.
As a final thought, while I am no longer an active Quora user, I remain in touch with the platform's evolution. I hope that through this essay, I can contribute to a greater understanding of the challenges Quora faces and inspire positive change.