Why Do Sincere Questions Seem Unethical on Quora?

Holiday messages aside, today's Quora isn't acting as it usually does. When one visits Quora on seemingly off days, such as those ending in 'xxxdays,' the platform appears less vibrant with intelligent, thoughtful discussions. Instead, one encounters a mix of contrived and insincere queries that occasionally veer into unethical, immoral, or illegal topics. This behavior is becoming increasingly frustrating for users seeking genuine, heartfelt advice.

Uncovering the Off Days

You might just note this tendency today because, on the vast majority of Quora questions, sincerity is often replaced by what seems like trolled insincerity. According to various anonymous users and forums, the site is predominantly filled with spam, with only muted troll users making it somewhat bearable. This suggests a pattern of behavior that detracts from the overall quality of the platform.

The Problem of Inauthenticity

These questions don't seem to be authentic requests for help. Many of the inquiries appear to be seeking advice for situations that are not only unethical but also illegal or morally questionable. For instance, a user asked a question about a father showering with his 15-year-old son, prompting 83 answers on the day it was asked. These responses, often filled with alarm, advised the user to seek help from the authorities.

A Prominent Troll Profile

A specific user has been quite explicit about their intentions. On their profile, they delight in posting 'stupid' questions and answers, openly inviting ridicule. You may have noticed their manifesto, which reads, 'Enjoy my stupid answers and questions.' Their behavior raises serious concerns about the integrity and purpose of the Quora platform.

The Impact of Trolling Behavior

This single user, much like a wolf who raised an alarm for no reason, can take up a significant portion of the attention that should be allocated to more sincere questions. Their activities can instigate unnecessary scrutiny and responses, thus diverting valuable time and energy from genuine issues. Additionally, there are numerous accounts like this one that continue to post 'stupid' questions and answers, contributing to the overall decline in the quality of content.

The Question of Moderation

Why do we continue to engage with such content when it's abundantly clear that troll accounts can be easily identified and muted? Is it because we find their content amusing, as suggested by the statement on their profile? Alternatively, is it simply a passive enjoyment of the chaos and ridicule they bring to the platform?

Conclusion

The situation on Quora today highlights a serious issue with sincerity and authenticity. While the site aims to be a platform for genuine, meaningful dialogue, it is often plagued by unethical, trolled, and contradictory content. As users, it's important to remain vigilant and, where necessary, report such activities to ensure the platform remains a valuable resource for thoughtful discussion.