Understanding the Logistical Factors Behind Quora Answer Visibility

Have you ever noticed a sudden drop in views for a Quora answer that initially received a ton of engagement? If yes, you're not alone. This phenomenon might seem strange but it reveals the logistical intricacies of Quora's platform.

Why Do Popular But Non-Viral Answers Drop Off Suddenly?

On Quora, even popular yet non-viral answers often see an immediate sharp decline in views and engagement compared to an expected gradual decrease. This isn't natural and points to a deliberate logistical strategy by the platform.

A Conservative Writer's Experience

Let's take a conservative writer as an example. They might see 35,000 views and 2,000 upvotes within just 12 hours. However, the views and engagement drop to only 20 in the next day. This sudden drop is often attributed to human factors rather than just the algorithm.

Human Bias Influences Content Distribution

Consider the case of a writer whose content pertains to "diet" or "life stories" that still get hundreds of votes daily, sometimes even after 18 months. This proves that the algorithm isn't the sole factor at play. Instead, there appear to be strong human biases in content moderation and distribution. Human operators ensure that the information shared on the platform aligns with liberal values, selectively curating feeds to maintain this bias.

Proof in Action

For instance, an answer titled "Have You Ever Met a Serial Killer?" kept getting around 200 views a day since two months. This constant engagement suggests that the human operators are indeed involved in keeping certain types of content visible.

Quora Digest and Content Circulation

Quora's digest system plays a crucial role in deciding which content reaches a wider audience. While newer, more relevant answers are featured in users' feeds, older but popular answers are moved through the digest to circulate them to different users. However, even being part of the digest isn't a guarantee of increased visibility. Users often don't regularly check their digest, and occasionally answers end up in other irrelevant folders, reducing their chances of being seen.

Comparison with Other Platforms

This is not unique to Quora. A similar issue is observed on YouTube. Derek Muller's Veritasium channel has explored this phenomenon on YouTube, providing insights into why some content becomes viral while others remain underappreciated.

Conclusion

The sudden drop-off in views for popular but non-viral answers on Quora is indicative of a complex interplay between the algorithm and human biases. The Quora digest system and the selective content circulation are key factors in these dynamics. While this system helps maintain a certain level of content diversity and relevance, it also results in a skewed perception of user interaction metrics.