Why Do People on Quora Continue to Add Answers to Old Questions With Numerous Existing Responses?

On Quora, a phenomenon emerges where users enthusiastically contribute answers to questions that have been posted several months, or even years, ago, despite the existence of numerous other responses. This behavior can seem perplexing at first glance. Why add to a question that already has a comprehensive array of answers?

Driven by Curiosity and the Quest for Insight

The answer lies deeply rooted in human nature. People on Quora are bothered by age-old questions because there is no expiration date on curiosity. Readers may still find useful perspectives decades later. This ongoing engagement with old questions suggests an inherent drive to add value to the conversation, even if the content is several years old.

The Valuable Aspect of Critical Thinking

Answering old questions often involves a great deal of critical thinking and analysis of previous responses. Many answers may be repetitive or incomplete, leaving gaps for new respondents to fill. Readers must sift through various answers to discern the most plausible or correct ones. This process not only helps the community but also challenges the responder to provide a unique perspective.

Personal Insights and Addressing Gaps

For many Quorans, the act of answering questions is not about the visibility or recognition. Instead, it is about putting their thoughts in writing. If the author feels that they have a unique insight that hasn't been covered by other answers, they will contribute. Similarly, if they identify issues with existing answers, they may share their critiques. Even if their contributions are buried, the act of writing to address these gaps is fulfilling.

Writing as a Form of Engagement

Quora serves as a vast platform for writing prompts where the author's primary motive is to fill knowledge gaps. Whether their answer is noticed or not, the act of writing provides a sense of fulfillment. If an answer does not receive much attention, the author can share it at a later date to gain more exposure. This perspective highlights the secondary importance of exposure and the primary importance of contributing value.

Unexpected Results and the Influence of Personal Experience

It's not uncommon for answers to old questions to unexpectedly thrive. For example, a personal experience added to an over a hundred answers may attract more votes and comments than expected. Sometimes, a seemingly redundant contribution can lead to a surge in engagement. This demonstrates that there is no straightforward answer to why people continue to answer old questions. The outcome can be unpredictable, and the value of a contribution may manifest in surprising ways.

Conclusion

While it may seem counterintuitive to add answers to old questions with numerous existing responses, the underlying motivations of curiosity, critical thinking, personal insights, and the desire to contribute value drive this behavior. Quora serves as a platform where each contribution has the potential to add a unique perspective, even if it remains buried among other answers.