Why Quora Falls Short Among Indian High School Students Compared to Facebook

In recent discussions, a curious exchange unfolded between a young Quora enthusiast and a friend who inadvertently peered over her shoulder. The conversation highlighted the stark contrast in social media preferences among Indian high school students. Facebook seems to be the go-to platform for this demographic, while Quora struggles to capture the same level of engagement. Let's delve into the reasons why Quora might not resonate as strongly with this age group.

Exploring the Discrepancy: Quora vs. Facebook

When asked what she was doing, the young Quora user responded, 'I’m peeling potatoes to make fritters,' to which her friend quipped, 'Don’t joke, what are you doing on your mobile?' The friend then casually mentioned, 'Quora,' causing the other to exclaim 'What is it?' As the user explained, 'It is a good place for kids of age 13–14 to give advice on love and relationships, and a tea stall for IITians and NITians. But, she pointedly added, 'The government has even spread fake news about this,' leaving everyone to wonder why Quora is not as popular as Facebook among Indian high school students.

Popularity and Engagement

Facebook is undeniably the preferred platform for these teenagers. While Quora offers valuable knowledge and a place for mature discussions, it falls short in terms of instant gratification and engagement. The friend advised, 'Focus on Instagram and create content' as it is a more viable path to gaining popularity and celebrity status. However, the young user maintained, 'No thanks, I prefer being a timepass scribbler than a so-called influencer.'

The Need for Popularity

One of the primary reasons why Quora is not as popular among Indian teenagers as Facebook is the absence of instant fame and fan interaction. Unlike Facebook, which provides a platform for content creation, likes, and followers, Quora is more about asking questions, receiving answers, and being part of a community. The friend's comment, 'You can't be popular on Quora, but you can on Instagram,' highlights this disparity. Instagram, with its visual content and social interactions, seems to be better aligned with the preferences of this age group.

The Merit of Quora

While Quora may not offer the same level of popularity as Facebook or Instagram, it does provide a valuable service by offering a space for mature and thoughtful discussions. However, the challenge lies in increasing its relevance and engagement among young users. Some key areas of improvement could include:

Make Quora More Accessible: Promote Quora among schools, colleges, and communities. Offer educational resources and incentives to encourage students to use the platform. Enhance User Experience: Improve the app's user experience and make it more visually appealing to attract younger users. Engage Young Users: Introduce more interactive features such as polls, quizzes, and live sessions to make discussions more engaging and interactive. Highlight Relevance: Showcase real-world applications and success stories of users who have benefited from Quora's knowledge and advice.

Conclusion

While Quora offers a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and mature discussions, it needs to adapt to the preferences and engagement levels of Indian high school students. By addressing these challenges and improving the user experience, Quora can bridge the gap and become more relevant to this demographic.