Why People Answer Ridiculous or Provocative Questions on Quora
On any large-scale QA platform, one can expect a wide range of user-generated content. However, on Quora, a phenomenon emerges where more than a few questions are posted that are clearly inane or deliberately provocative. This article explores the reasons behind such behavior and its impact on the platform. Let's delve into the various motivations and clues that highlight why this occurs.
Entertainment and Amusement
For many users, Quora serves as a source of entertainment. Posting and answering ridiculous or provocative questions can elicit amusing and often exaggerated responses, which, in turn, can provide a sense of humor and amusement. Given the vast array of questions posed, the sheer number of responses to such inquiries highlights the entertainment value these posts can bring to both the asker and the responder communities.
Over the past two years, I have responded to over 15,000 questions in two languages. A significant portion of these questions showcases an alarming level of pop-culture ignorance. Participants often do not realize the extent of their lack of knowledge. For example, one question directly comparing Madonna to Mozart or Louis Armstrong to J. S. Bach was particularly baffling. The comparison of these artists, spanning vastly different genres and time periods, exemplifies the degree of confusion that the asker was unaware of.
It is important to note that such questions are often posted in a manner that is both intentionally provocative and humorously absurd. The askers might believe that these questions will elicit reactions and engage the community in a way that more conventional or straightforward inquiries do not. While this can be seen as a form of entertainment, it also raises concerns about the quality and authenticity of the content.
Purposeful Provocation for Fun
Another reason behind the posting of these inane questions is to provoke a reaction. Users who post such questions are often seeking engagement and attention. The goal is to elicit strong emotional responses, whether they are positive or negative. By posting questions that are so off the mark, users can draw a wide range of reactions, which can be satisfying in its own right.
Interestingly, many of these provocative questions are likely posted by trolls with questionable mental health. These individuals often enjoy the chaos and drama that their posts can cause. They thrive in the limelight and are willing to draw attention at any cost, even if it means being ridiculous or provocative. The anonymity of the internet provides them with a platform to engage in behavior that they may not be able to exhibit in real life.
It is worth noting that no one is forcing users to read or engage with these answers. Despite the numerous ridiculous questions and responses, the userbase of Quora has grown significantly, with over 4 million views on my content alone. This indicates that, despite the presence of inane questions, there is still a substantial audience that is interested in the platform's content, whether it is prudent or not.
Commercial and Popularity Motivations
Motivated by the desire to become more popular or to generate more views, some users on Quora engage in behavior that can be seen as spam or scam. They post provocative questions with the hopes of drawing attention and, consequently, more views and engagement. One example of this is the attempt to gain popularity to be part of a non-existent question partner program. These users believe that by posting provocative questions or engaging in behavior that contradicts the platform's guidelines, they will earn a place in the program.”
The idea that a guide exists for how to make money on Quora is a myth. Yet, users still often follow a set of steps they believe will lead to success, even though the program does not exist. This indicates that there is a perception within the user community that such a program is a viable opportunity, and they are willing to risk posting inappropriate questions in pursuit of it.
Demonstrating Quora's Evolution
While some of the inane questions posted on Quora might seem concerning, they can also be seen as a reflection of the platform's evolution. When Quora first launched, it was far from perfect. It had to grow and develop, and part of that growth is the tolerance for a certain level of ridiculousness and provocation. It is important to acknowledge that such content can also be a source of amusement and engagement for users.
Even seemingly repetitive questions, such as the habitual flop of Humans gonna human, demonstrate the platform's resilience and adaptability. The fact that such questions continue to be asked and answered indicates that users value the freedom of expression and the ability to generate engagement, even if it means posting content that is often perceived as silly or provocative. While this can be frustrating for some, it is symptomatic of the diversity of the userbase and the platform's willingness to adapt to different forms of user interaction.
Ultimately, the behavior of answering ridiculous or provocative questions on Quora can be attributed to a combination of factors, including entertainment, provocation, and a desire for commercial gain. While not every user may adhere to best practices, the platform continues to evolve, allowing for a wide range of content and user interaction. As long as moderation and guidelines are in place to filter out inappropriate content, Quora will likely continue to thrive as a diverse and dynamic QA platform.