Why Is Quora Disabling So Many Comments: Navigating the Challenges of Community Moderation

Quora, the global knowledge-sharing platform, is a space where questions and answers thrive. However, the process of managing community interactions has its own set of challenges, especially concerning the frequency with which comments are disabled. This article explores the reasons behind this issue and discusses the importance of maintaining clear community standards.

The Basics: Questions Get Answers, Not Corrections

One fundamental aspect of Quora is that questions get answers, straightforward as that. An answer is a response to a question, not a place to have back-and-forth discussions or corrections. An answer, whether based on personal opinion or factual information, should stand on its own merit. If you believe an answer is factually incorrect, the best course of action is to provide your own answer with correct information. This approach not only helps clarify the issue but also contributes positively to the community.

When writing an answer, participants do so voluntarily without any obligation to engage in further discussions. The expectation is that users will focus on providing value through well-researched answers rather than spending time addressing every comment. If every answer were to precipitate a conversation, the primary purpose of providing answers would be diluted. It’s the person who asks the question who benefits from multiple perspectives, but they should get that through new answers rather than comments.

Responding to a Question: Writing a New Answer

When approaching a question on Quora, the appropriate action is to write a new answer rather than commenting on existing ones. If you have a different opinion or a new piece of information that could enhance the discussion, creating a new answer is the best way to contribute. Quora users who ask questions are looking for the best possible answers; thus, providing a well-researched and informative answer will be more beneficial than responding to someone else's answer.

AI and Community Management

Quora employs various tools to manage its community, including both human moderators and AI. The use of AI is aimed at automating routine tasks and filtering out inappropriate content. However, there have been instances where AI moderation falls short, leading to frustration among users.

Once upon a time, Quora employed human moderators who intervened when trolls engaged in disruptive behavior. These moderators, although costly, were integral in maintaining a civilized community environment. With the hiring of AI instead, the platform has faced some challenges. AI, while effective in a variety of contexts, can sometimes misinterpret nuances in human communication.

Trolls can often bypass AI moderators by posting comments on questions months or even years old. This tactic forces users to spend additional time moderating irrelevant or disruptive content. As a result, Quora has witnessed a surge in users opting to disable comments altogether, which may seem like a practical solution but limits the engagement and inclusivity of the platform.

Furthermore, some users report encountering trolls not just on questions but on completely unrelated answers. This kind of persistent behavior can be incredibly disruptive and demotivating for contributors who are already tired of dealing with such challenges.

Community Standards: A Necessary Evil

Striking a balance between community engagement and effective moderation is crucial. Community standards are essential for maintaining a positive environment on Quora. These standards should clearly define what is acceptable and what is not. Users must be educated on these standards to ensure they understand how to participate respectfully and how to contribute positively.

It's important for Quora to continue refining its AI moderation tools and potentially reintroducing human oversight in key areas. Users, on their part, must adhere to these standards and report any violations proactively. By working together, both Quora and its users can maintain a vibrant and inclusive platform where meaningful conversations and valuable knowledge exchange can flourish without the constant disruptions caused by trolls and other misbehaving users.