Why Do Some People Comment on an Answer But Not Upvote It?

On platforms like Quora, the dynamics of engagement can sometimes confuse new users. Ever wondered why someone would comment on an answer but not upvote it? This article explains the nuances behind the digital interactions on such platforms, focusing on Quora as an example.

Understanding the Differences Between Commenting and Upvoting

Consider the platform Quora, where users often provide answers to questions or comments on those answers. One notable aspect of Quora is that it doesn't report downvotes, which means that disagreement with an answer can only be expressed through negative comments. Similarly, upvoting signifies agreement, while sharing an answer further indicates interest or relevance.

Commenting for Agreements and Disagreements

Many users comment on answers to express their agreement or disagreement. For instance, if a user finds an answer particularly helpful, they might comment to highlight its value. However, the act of commenting does not inherently equate to upvoting. If I agree with something, I usually upvote and skip any further comment. Sometimes, users feel compelled to comment to provide clarification or to engage in further discussion.

Upvoting for Valuable Contributions

Upvoting, on the other hand, is typically reserved for answers or comments that are deemed helpful or valuable. Users who upvote an answer generally believe it provides useful information. Although it can be an oversight, it is also true that some users may have upvoted an answer without leaving a comment. There could be a myriad of reasons for this, such as simply being busy or just not feeling the need to comment.

Sharing for Relevance and Interest

Sharing an answer goes beyond upvoting. It indicates that the answer is not only valuable but also highly relevant to a specific interest or community. If an answer pertains to the core of a particular space (like pet care for a pet owner), a user might share it even if they don’t upvote it. This practice suggests that the user believes the answer will be of interest to their community or followers.

Example Scenarios on Quora Spaces

Consider the Quora Spaces that deal with pets, especially cats and dogs. Every pet owner thinks that their little Fluffy or Rover is the cutest or best cat or dog in the world, and all of them are right! Therefore, users often upvote responses that acknowledge the love and dedication that pet owners have towards their pets.

However, if a user encounters a response that they don’t fully agree with, they might comment to raise their concerns or to provide a different perspective. This comment does not necessarily imply a downvote, but rather a need for discussion or clarification.

Engagement Patterns and Human Behavior

There are many factors that can influence a user's decision to comment or upvote. Some users may feel that sharing an answer with a large community is more impactful than upvoting it. Others might forget to upvote after commenting or sharing, as discussed earlier. Some users might also feel that upvoting is a form of approval, while sharing is a way to introduce new information to the community or to bring a different perspective. Sharing can be seen as a more direct way to engage the community with relevant information.

In summary, the differences between commenting, upvoting, and sharing on platforms like Quora are nuanced and multifaceted. Engagement is not always consistent and can be influenced by various factors, including human behavior, community norms, and the specific context of the interaction.

Key Takeaways: Commenting is often used to express agreements or disagreements. Upvoting signifies agreement and is typically given when an answer is found to be helpful. Sharing indicates the value and relevance of the answer to a broader community or space.

By understanding these differences, users can better navigate the interaction patterns on Quora and other similar platforms, enhancing their overall experience.