Will Negative Behaviors Persist if Quora Removes Its English Feature?

If Quora were to remove its English feature, its likely that the dynamics of user interactions would change but the underlying behaviors—such as calling others trolls or attention seekers and blocking users—would still exist in some form. This article will explore the persistence of such behaviors, irrespective of the language used on the platform.

User Behavior and Online Interactions

People often engage in negative behaviors like trolling or blocking based on disagreements or differing opinions which are not solely dependent on language. These behaviors are more about the nature of online interactions than the specific platform features. Take, for instance, the example of a user who calls someone a troll or an attention seeker. This behavior is rooted in the perceived dissonance or disagreement, not the language being used. Even if Quora were to remove its English feature, these underlying motivations would likely still persist.

Language and Cultural Nuances

Language and culture play significant roles in online interactions. If English were removed, users who communicate in other languages would still exhibit similar behaviors, albeit possibly with different cultural nuances. For example, a Spanish speaker might call someone a 'cari?o' instead of an 'attention seeker,' but the underlying behavior— seeking to dismiss or ostracize someone—would remain the same. Similarly, a Cantonese speaker might use different terms but the sentiment and action would not change significantly. The motivations for such behaviors often transcend language, as they are driven by social dynamics, personal differences, and conflicts of opinion.

Platform Dynamics and Behavioral Adaptation

Changes to platform features can influence how people interact, but they do not eliminate the core tendencies that lead to conflict or blocking. Users might find new ways to express frustration or disagreement in other languages. For instance, instead of using the English term 'troll,' they might use a term specific to their language or culture that conveys the same meaning. In this way, while the specific expressions of these behaviors might change, the essence of them is likely to persist regardless of the language used on the platform.

Example:

When someone mentions, “I’m sure you didn't mean to appear rude or prejudiced against English speakers,” it highlights the underlying nature of the behavior. The essence of being perceived as rude or prejudiced does not change, regardless of the language used. Similarly, the individual who writes, “People are still people, language be what it may…Quiere que les digo en espa?ol Mi teléfono no habla la lengua... Qué lástima! My dad could be equally rude and courteous in 7 dialects of Cantonese and 5 European languages… No matter how his lips moved he was still himself,” emphasizes the unchanging nature of personal interactions. Whether in English, Spanish, or any other language, the core personality and behaviors remain consistent.

Conclusion:

While the specific expressions of these behaviors might vary based on the language used, the underlying behaviors—such as calling others trolls or attention seekers and blocking users—are likely to persist regardless of the language on the platform. The nature of online interactions is ultimately driven by the psychology and social dynamics of the users, which are not heavily dependent on the specific language feature of the platform.