Understanding the Gravity of Trolls on QA Platforms: A Deep Dive

Introduction to the Problem

Have you ever encountered a situation where questions on a QA platform are answered by individuals whose responses are clearly beyond the realm of logic or reality? These responses are often labeled as 'bullshit,' and they can severely disrupt the integrity and value of the platform. In this article, we will explore why and how such trolls operate on QA platforms like Quora, and what can be done to combat their impact.

The Role of Attention in Digital Trolling

A Motive of Controversy

Why do so many people answer questions that are obviously bullshit? The simple answer is that on the internet, good or bad attention is attention. Trolls are driven by the desire to create controversy, which can be detrimental to the quality and usefulness of QA platforms. Their motivations vary, but often include the desire to have fun or to point out the absurdity of a question by responding in a ridiculous manner.

Examples of Trolling on QA Platforms

Consider the following examples:

Example 1: Help with Taxes

"Where do I find a good person to help me with my taxes last minute?"

Often, you might receive no answers ("crickets") or a flurry of answers suggesting ridiculous and irrelevant solutions ("2–20 answers 600 views").

Example 2: A Trolling Question

Another troll question might be:

"How would you feel if a 6-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl were playing at the park and a 13-year-old girl joined them, and their feet got stinky in the mud and they all chased..."

These questions are designed to elicit an emotional or ridiculous response, often leading to no helpful outcome.

The Nature of Digital Trolling

Trolls on Quora

On Quora, anyone can answer any question, regardless of whether it's a sincere query or a troll question. Trolls often attach themselves to questions that are generating a lot of attention. According to various observations, these trolls might:

Not realize they are being trolls and assume the original poster (OP) is ill-informed. Actually see the question and the answer as potentially useful for some users. Enjoy the fun of responding in an outrageous way to a silly question. Explicitly call out the question as troll behavior and provide information on how to block and mute them.

Historical Context

Is trolling a recent phenomenon, or has it always existed on the internet? The truth is, there must have been a period where the internet was more innocent and free of trolls. When did the first troll attempt on ARPANET or CERN take place? These questions bring us to the realization that trolling is as old as the internet itself.

Addressing Trolling Behavior on QA Platforms

Communication and Community Guidelines

Many users respond to trolls by defending the platform and its users. Demonstrating that the troll's response is not taken seriously can help maintain the integrity of the QA community. By calling out trolling behavior, users and platform administrators can prevent the spread of such content and safeguard the platform for genuine and helpful interactions.

Reporting and Blocking Trolls

Most QA platforms have mechanisms for reporting and blocking trolls. By using these tools, users can help prevent disruptive behavior and ensure that the platform remains a valuable resource for information and discussion.

Conclusion

The presence of trolls on QA platforms is a reality, but understanding their motivations and the impact they have can help us manage and mitigate their effects. By fostering a culture of vigilance and responsible behavior, we can keep the internet a more positive and productive space for everyone.