Why Do Silly Answers Get So Many Upvotes on Quora?

From personal experience, it is intriguing to observe that some of the silly answers on Quora are garnering thousands of upvotes and even lakhs of views. But is Quora promoting such content, or is it purely driven by user behavior?

Currently, as of January 2023, there is no direct mechanism to upvote questions on Quora. This raises the question: if questions can't be upvoted, then why do certain silly answers receive so much attention?

Defining 'Silly Answers'

When someone refers to silly questions or answers on Quora, they are often talking about the type of queries that are typical to seeing on the platform. The majority of the younger crowd on Quora tends to focus on questions related to their peers or social life. For example:

Self-conscious questions: A male Quoran might ask, “What do you think of me?” with a female Quoran replying with emoticons. Light-hearted questions: Questions like, “Who would you like to be in your next birth?” or “What’s your favorite ringtone?” highlight personal preferences in a fun and engaging manner.

However, not all questions are purely silly or trivial. There are also more constructive and insightful questions such as:

Academic-oriented questions: “How do you prepare for NEET exams?” or “How do you manage to study for more than 12 hours?” Personal challenges: “What struggles have you faced as a JEE aspirant?”

These questions show Quora's versatility and the wide range of topics its users are interested in.

User Behavior and Quora's Role

It is important to understand that the popularity of silly answers is not solely attributable to Quora's algorithms or policies. Rather, it is the behavior of the platform's users that heavily influences what content gets noticed and endorsed.

Teens make up a significant portion of Quora's user base and they engage with questions and answers that cater to their interests. Ask a funny or nonsensical question, and you're likely to get lots of views and perhaps even upvotes. This fact validates the entertainment value of such queries.

Silly answers often resonate because they are relatable and humorous. A confessional story or a confession from a female Quoran can attract a lot of interest due to the personal and often emotional nature of the content. People are naturally drawn to such posts, making them highly shareable and viewable.

The Business Side of Quora

At its core, Quora is a business. It seeks to grow its user base and increase engagement to stay relevant in the digital landscape. By promoting posts that receive a lot of views, whether they are silly or not, Quora can benefit from increased visibility. Simultaneously, teens are active on various social media platforms, which helps Quora reach a broader audience.

The platform's strategy aligns with the idea that catering to the interests of its younger audience can drive more traffic and engagement. This, in turn, enhances Quora's ability to monetize through various means, including advertising and partnerships.

Conclusion

The prevalence of silly answers on Quora is a reflection of its diverse user base and the behavior of its younger constituents. While some questions might seem trivial, they serve as a means of entertainment and engagement. The platform, in turn, benefits from this behavior, making it a win-win situation for both users and the site.