The Challenges of Engaging in Constructive Discussions in the Digital Age
On forums like Quora, where users are encouraged to share their viewpoints and answer questions, the process of engaging in meaningful discussions can sometimes be hindered by abusive, uninformed, and even erroneous comments. This article explores the reasons why some users opt to turn off comments and the negative impact such behavior can have on the integrity and value of the platform.
Why Do People Turn Off Comments and Replies?
Quora is designed as a space for asking questions and sharing answers, not for debates or arguments. The platform's name, QuORAnswer, emphasizes the importance of asking and responding to questions rather than engaging in endless arguments. Here, we delve into the various reasons why users might want to turn off comments and replies:
Debate vs. Intellectual Discussion
Quora is not a debate site. It is built for intellectual discussion and sharing viewpoints. However, some users may encounter individuals who are either unable to hold their convictions or are constantly knocking on the door of arguments, tainting the atmosphere. A common scenario involves users who are unable to acknowledge statistical evidence or peer-reviewed studies, dismissing them outright in favor of their own beliefs. This can lead to a frustrating and unproductive discourse.
Experiencing Intolerance and Ignorance
One example to illustrate this issue involves a user who received a response from a "pro-lifer," who dismissed the importance of standing outside fertility clinics to protest the destruction of embryos. The user had even shared self-reported statistics, yet the response was incomplete and misleading, calling the embryos "unfertilized." Similarly, users have encountered individuals who maintain extreme and unfounded beliefs, such as the notion that no one should be able to own property. These debates often degenerate into personal attacks and insults.
Personal Attacks and Injunctions
Users also frequently encounter individuals who make unfounded claims about their professional or personal lives. For instance, one user shared their experience as a college professor, but another attempted to invalidate it, arguing that being a lecturer did not equate to being a professor. Additionally, some users have faced challenges when discussing personal experiences, such as those related to gender or social issues, with individuals who refuse to acknowledge those experiences.
Intellectually Challenging Interactions
Interacting with intellectually-challenged individuals can be a source of frustration. Some users have faced constant and unwarranted attacks and insults, whether related to their weight, personal experiences, or other sensitive topics. Users share the experience of having someone dismiss their professional background by questioning their ability to have been a professor, accusing them of being "lecturers" instead.
Conclusion
While Quora is an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and insights, it can become a battleground for idle arguments and compulsive debating. Turning off comments can be a way for users to maintain the integrity and value of their posts, free from unnecessary drama and attacks. However, the platform retains its essence by encouraging thoughtful and informed discussions, hence the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all users.