Has Spam Become Uncontrollable on Quora?
Over the past few years, I've been closely monitoring spam and vandalism in the question-edit category on Quora. It appears that spam is periodic, tending to occur in waves, but its nature hasn't significantly changed over time. Currently, we're experiencing a peak that seems to have worsened due to Quora breaking crucial systems.
Quora has a reactive stance towards spam reports, responding within half a day. However, there's a significant oversight in their current approach. They currently ignore reports of spamming profiles, which means spammers who have vandalized hundreds of questions can do so for weeks without any action. Even if their content is reverted, they simply repost it again, making their actions persistent.
Quora boasts an internal belief in having an automated system that can instantly intercept new spammers. However, this is a fallacy. The reality is that such automation is ineffective. The problem remains that Quora is not adequately addressing individual instances of abuse and is failing to perform necessary cleanups.
In one specific area, Quora Spaces, the issue has escalated significantly. These spaces are now out of control, filled with unsavory and illegal content. Spammers are offering prescription narcotics and hacking services. This has created a toxic environment that goes beyond mere harassment to include serious criminal activities.
Personal Observations
During my 11 months on the site, I've observed a marked increase in spam and vandalism, particularly in the TV and Movie categories. The overwhelming amount of questions revolves around streaming, downloading, and legally viewing movies that either don't exist or are known to not have theatrical releases. The content is often misleading and frustrating, as users are directed to illegitimate streaming sites.
Spam in Detail
Sales offers for prescription narcotics and hacking services are rampant in Quora Spaces. This kind of content is not only illegal but also harmful, providing a platform for criminal activities. Users are often tricked into engaging with these spammers, potentially compromising their personal safety and spreading illegal activities.
User Experience
If a user remains unaware of the ongoing issues or sidesteps the Quora Partnership Program, they might still fall victim to spam. The Partnership Program, which is the primary cause of these issues, has led to an influx of spam. The program's focus on partnerships and promotion has inadvertently opened a floodgate for spammers. Misleading questions are common, such as when someone asks how to legally stream a movie, only to be directed to a website offering illegal downloads.
Conclusion
While the overall level of spam might not have changed dramatically over time, Quora's approach to addressing this issue has clearly deteriorated. If Quora truly values its user base and wants to maintain a safe and healthy environment, it must take a more proactive stance against spammers and ensure that every reported instance of abuse is addressed promptly and effectively.