The Truth About Why Older Users on Quora Rarely Disable Comment Options

There seems to be a recurring myth among certain users that most older users on Quora disable the comment option for their posts. However, this notion is nothing more than a misguided assumption. In reality, only a small minority of users, regardless of age, choose to disable comments.

Understanding Age and Comment Disabling

Take this example: I am 50 years old, and I have never disabled the comment option on my posts. On rare occasions, if someone posts a counter-factual comment, I might delete it, but I have never disabled the entire comment section. It's clear that the premise that older users always disable comments is incorrect.

Common Reasons for Comment Disabling

There are two common reasons why people might disable the comment section on their posts:

1. Lack of Awareness

Many users simply don't know that the option to disable comments exists. This includes both seasoned and newer users. The sheer volume of features on Quora can easily lead to users missing such an option.

2. Tackling Unwanted Comments

Others disable comments to combat trolling and negativity. However, this approach can have unintended consequences, as it also blocks out genuine discussion and valuable insights from well-meaning contributors.

Personal Experience

I, at 72 years old, rarely disable comments on my answers, but there are certain topics that I do disable comments on. My reasoning is that life is too short to waste time reading the same nonsense I've seen a thousand times before. This is likely the mindset of many other users on Quora, regardless of age.

Dispelling Misconceptions

The vast majority of answers on Quora do not have the comment option disabled. Furthermore, the majority of users don't even know how to disable this option in the first place. Only a small subset of users, including those who engage in controversial or sensitive topics, disable comments to maintain the quality and civility of their discussions.

Hot Button Topics and Comment Management

Certain topics on Quora, such as politics, health, and technology, often attract a significant amount of negative and repetitive comments. As a result, writers in these fields may choose to disable comments or close them after a certain period to preserve the quality of their posts. This practice is not exclusive to older users and is common across all age groups.

Wider Implications

The myth that older users on Quora disable comments more frequently can create a skewed perception of the platform. It’s important to recognize that Quora is a diverse community with a wide range of contributors and users. Just as not all older users disable comments, neither do all young users.

To understand Quora better, it's essential to consider a broader range of data and user experiences. The platform is rich with knowledge, insights, and discussions that cater to a diverse audience. By delving into the various topics and user interactions, one can gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the Quora community.