Quora Moderation: An Overly Sensitive Game of Who's Counting?

The Quora moderation system, while intended to maintain a civil and respectful community, has become a touchy topic among users. Many, including myself, find the enforcement of the Be Nice Be Respectful (BNBR) policy unnecessarily stringent and often arbitrary.

The Algorhythmic Tangle

When it comes to moderating content on Quora, the platform relies heavily on an algorithm rather than human oversight. This algorithm is programmed to flag content based on specific keywords and patterns. For example, a comment like “you are an asshole” would automatically trigger a flag.

Self-Promotion and Short Answers

Even a well-articulated answer might end up flagged for self-promotion if it includes an external link for further information. Similarly, succinct and to-the-point answers are often deemed “needing improvement.” A user might say, “If my answer is too short, even though it answers the question clearly, it could still end up needing more content.”

Visual Content and Memes

Pictures with words, commonly known as memes, are often classified as a type of content that needs more attention. Whether or not the inclusion of such images is truly necessary or justifies a flag is often not a concern of the automated system.

The BNBR Enigma

The Be Nice Be Respectful policy, while a noble concept, has become a chore rather than a guiding principle. Users often find themselves receiving warnings without clear explanations. What constitutes a breach of BNBR can be vague and complex, leading to frequent frustration among users.

A Tale of Two Worlds

For some, the BNBR policy is an unjustified infringement on free speech. The policy is not only difficult to navigate but also poorly communicated. For instance, a user might receive several BNBR warnings daily, even when their comments are considered perfectly acceptable by community standards. This lack of clarity and transparency has led to a growing sense of dissatisfaction among quorans.

The Game of Reports and Counter-Reports

Reports of “harassment” are handled by automated systems rather than human moderators. Users can report others, often without providing any justification, under the guise of a harassment warning. This can lead to a cycle of false reports and counter-reports, turning the platform into a playground of petty feuds. The person who reported you might find themselves receiving a similar treatment, leading to a form of reciprocal justice or retaliation.

The Skeptical Quorann

Many of us believed that the original intent of BNBR was to protect users from harassment. However, it seems that the policy has been weaponized by some users to silence opposing viewpoints. This misuse of the policy has not only sullied its original purpose but has also led to a toxic environment on the platform.

Closing Thoughts

While it's important to maintain a respectful community, the current implementation of Quora's moderation system seems to be too stringent. The game of reports and counter-reports can be seen as a manifestation of grown-up "schoolyard" politics, often manipulated by those who wish to silence dissenting voices.