Why People Delete Their Responses on Quora: Moving Beyond Bad Debate and Trolling

Introduction

Quora is a platform designed for questions and answers, fostering a community where individuals seek knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions. However, behind the scenes, there are often instances of deleted responses and comments, often due to bad behavior. This article explores the reasons why people might delete their responses after debates or encounters with malicious users, and whether these actions detract from the platform's potential to enhance debate.

Personal Experiences and Deletions

For many, the impulse to delete responses stems from a desire to avoid engaging with trolls or others who are not genuinely interested in debate. The author, who previously deleted responses when the other commenter wasn't serious, often found themselves dealing with repetitive, insincere comments. For instance, these individuals might repeatedly comment without adding value, aiming to provoke an emotional response rather than engage in meaningful dialogue.

The author also mentions taking steps to disable comments on their posts to reduce the exposure to trolls. This decision was aimed at depriving these malicious users of the attention they seek, thereby reducing negative interactions. In such cases, it's clear that the quality of the debate is questionable and often detrimental to the community.

Good Debate and its Potential on Quora

The proposition of a "good debate" on Quora is intriguing, as it could elevate the platform to a higher standard of discussion. A well-conducted debate is characterized by the exchange of well-reasoned arguments and the respectful engagement of differing viewpoints. When such debates occur, they not only enhance the quality of content on the platform but also foster a more educated and informed community.

Unfortunately, the reality is that most comments on Quora are far from being constructive. Many are mere insults, incoherent rants, or irrelevant links. This low-quality engagement makes it difficult to maintain a productive debate environment. The influence of the so-called "crazy religious fundamentalist fringe" and politicians like Trumpists further complicates matters, as they often bring division and personal attacks to the discourse.

Dealing with Trolls and Misconduct

When a response is clearly wrong or misspends the tone of the question or answer, it is common for individuals to retract their comment or answer. This is especially true when the tone turns uncivil, and the engagement becomes a waste of space. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining civil and constructive dialogue, noting that such interactions are the essence of good debate. Discouraging bad behavior, such as shoving insults or irrelevant information, is crucial for the platform's health.

It's important to understand the Quora rules, which clearly state that the site is for questions and answers, not debates or arguments. If someone finds a comment troublesome, the appropriate action is to write a counter-response rather than deleting or deleting the entire thread.

Conclusion

While the deletion of responses on Quora can be seen as a reflection of a broken discourse, it also highlights the need for better behavior and more meaningful engagement. By fostering a culture of respectful debate and rejecting trolls and invalid arguments, Quora can become a more valuable resource for knowledge and information. Ultimately, the platform's potential to enhance debate and education depends on the community's ability to engage in constructive conversations.