When Was the Option to Follow Users Privately on Quora Dropped?

Introduction

Quora, a well-known question-and-answer platform, has undergone numerous changes over the past decade. One feature that has become noteworthy in its absence is the ability to follow other users privately. This article explores the history of this feature on Quora and why it was eventually discontinued.

The Early Days of Quora

Quora, launched in 2009, started as a platform where users could contribute and assess questions and answers. In its early days, Quora was more focused on community building and fostering a collaborative environment. Users could follow each other, but the ability to do so privately did not exist. At that time, Quora was not the crowded and competitive space it is today, making direct interaction and public followings more crucial for building a presence on the platform.

The Arrival of Private Follows

As Quora grew in popularity, the need for a more nuanced approach to user relationships emerged. Private follows offered individuals the opportunity to engage with other users without the pressure or awareness of others. This feature was rolled out during a period when Quora was expanding its user base and international presence. However, there is no specific date or version update that documents when exactly the private follow option was introduced. It is likely a gradual addition over several years as the platform evolved to meet user needs.

The Challenges Amidst Growth

Despite its advantages, the private follow feature faced challenges as Quora continued to grow. The platform's increased user base and the democratization of content led to a more public and competitive atmosphere. Users began to rely heavily on public following and alerts to stay updated on content relevant to their interests. This shift in user behavior complicated the purpose and use of private follows, making their implementation less effective and relevant.

The Decision to Discontinue Private Follows

The decision to discontinue private follows was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including user behavior changes, the platform's continuing evolution, and the need to streamline existing features. By the time private follows were dropped, public follows had become the dominant norm, affecting the way content was consumed and shared on Quora.

What Happened to Private Follows?

While the exact date of the private follows' discontinuation is not definitively recorded, it can be inferred that the feature was phased out sometime between 2017 and 2020 as Quora continued to refine its user experience and community guidelines. The removal of private follows was part of a suite of changes aimed at achieving a more cohesive and user-friendly platform experience.

Legacy of Private Follows

The disappearance of private follows from Quora highlights the dynamic nature of social media platforms and the ongoing need for their features to adapt to changing user behaviors and preferences. Private follows served as a supplementary tool for engendering closeness and specialized interest groups, but the broader public demand for transparency and inclusion eventually overshadowed their niche appeal.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the private follow feature on Quora marks a milestone in the platform's evolution from a collaborative QA space to a more publicly-oriented discussion forum. While personal privacy and community curation are still priorities, the shift to a more open and public community has undoubtedly altered the nature of interaction on Quora, reflecting the broader challenges of maintaining a vibrant and engaged user base.