Quora and the Use of 'What If' Questions: Filtering and Policy Considerations
As a platform where users share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences, Quora has recently received discussion around the use of #34;what if#34; questions. These types of questions often invite speculation and can be misunderstood or misused.
Common Use of #34;What If#34; Questions
Non-Native English Speakers and #34;What If#34;: It's worth noting that the structure of #34;what would happen if#34; is commonly used by non-native English speakers. This usage might be attributed to either politeness or influence from certain English instruction materials.
Examples and Interpretations: While often seen as hypothetical, #34;what if#34; questions can also imply practical queries. For instance, the phrase, #34;What can happen if I take 50 sleeping pills?#34; might be interpreted as: #34;Can I use 50 sleeping pills to commit suicide easily?#34; Understanding the context and intention is crucial.
Quora's Approach and Policy
Filtering Questions: Direct Answer: Quora does not automatically filter out #34;what if#34; questions. However, the platform advocates for filtering based on the type of content.
Expertise Over Facts: The personal opinion is that Quora should prioritize questions that add value through opinions and expertise. Questions containing only factual information are considered redundant, as these can easily be found via Google or Wikipedia. Instead, Quora should aim to foster discussions and knowledge-sharing that goes beyond straightforward information.
Usefulness of #34;What If#34; Questions: Such questions often encourage broader discussions, providing deeper insights and sparking debates. They are valuable as they invite exploration of opinions and perspectives from the community.
Personal Content Filtering
Muting Topics: Direct Solution: Users who wish to avoid certain types of questions can mute relevant topics. Specifically, muting the #34;hypothetical scenarios#34; topic is recommended.
Further Topic Muting: Beyond just #34;hypothetical scenarios,#34; other related topics such as #34;hypothetical battles#34; and similar can also be muted. This provides a more tailored and less noisy feed for users.
Recipe for a Quieter Feed: By muting these associated topics, you can significantly reduce the number of questions you wish to avoid, ensuring a more focused and relevant experience on the platform.
Conclusion
While Quora supports the use of #34;what if#34; questions to encourage meaningful discussions, users have the option to filter out less relevant content through personal topic muting. Balancing between fostering valuable discussions and maintaining a personalized user experience is key.
Understanding the context and intention of questions is crucial for an enriching Quora experience. By applying these tools and policies, users can enjoy a richer and more favorable environment for sharing and learning.