Why Was My Question on Quora Deleted?

Every platform has its rules, and Quora is no exception. If you've ever received a notice that your question has been deleted without explanation, it can be perplexing. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your question on Quora might have been deleted, focusing on specific examples and what happened in your case.

The Specific Case

One of our readers who calls themselves an Orthodox hermit nun wonders why their question on Quora was deleted. The question you asked was:

How can one person make another person feel so hurt and so depressed they become suicidal?

This question was directly asked, and your intention was to use it as writing advice for a book. However, Quora's policies are quite strict, and this question touched on a sensitive area that goes against their guidelines.

Quora's Question Deletion Policies

Quora has a comprehensive set of policies designed to ensure their platform remains a safe and valuable place for sharing knowledge. Here are the key reasons why your question was potentially flagged:

Promotion of Harmful Actions

The primary reason for your question being deleted is that it promotes or advocates harmful actions. Quora has a strict policy against content that encourages or describes harmful behaviors, including violence and self-harm.

According to Quora's guidelines on question deletion:

Quora's policy on question deletion states that any question that encourages or describes harmful actions, including physical or psychological violence, will be removed.

Your question fits this description as it suggests how to cause someone to feel so hurt and depressed that they may become suicidal. This type of content is not only harmful but also illegal in many jurisdictions.

Promotion of Crime

Additionally, Quora's guidelines on answers that advocate certain harmful actions also apply to questions. In your case, the question promotes a crime—causing another person to feel so hurt in a way that could be described as a form of psychological abuse or manipulation.

Quora's policy on harmful actions states:

Answers that advocate certain harmful actions, including any form of violence, are not allowed on Quora. This includes advocating or describing how to commit such actions.

Your question could be considered a request for advice on ways to harm another person. This is a grey area and might have been seen as promoting or enabling such actions, which is why it was deleted.

Other Considerations

There were additional considerations that contributed to the deletion:

Platform Policy on Illegal Content

While illegal content is generally not allowed on Quora, it is important to note that the platform takes a stance against content that encourages or describes harmful actions. This includes content that might lead to illegal activities or behaviors.

Quora's main policies on illegal content state:

Content about things that are illegal, such as specific methods to commit crimes, is not allowed, unless it complies with Quora's policies and Terms of Service (ToS).

Your question could be seen as an invitation or request for advice on illegal behavior, which is why it might have been deleted.

Visibility and Oversight

It's also possible that your question was overlooked initially. Human moderators and automated systems can sometimes miss the finer details. If you are resending the question, it's important to ensure it aligns with Quora's policies.

On your profile, under 'More', you listed credentials that might have inadvertently drawn attention to your intentions. If your question had been misinterpreted as related to your credentials, it might have been flagged more quickly.

Alternatives and Advice

If you are looking to write about sensitive topics, there are alternative ways to approach your question:

Adult Content Section

If your book is intended to explore themes of violence or psychological abuse, you may consider posting your question in the 'Adult' section. This section is dedicated to more mature content, provided you adhere to the relevant guidelines.

Remember to carefully review Quora's guidelines for the Adult section, as there are specific rules and requirements to ensure the content is suitable.

Writing Tips for Action and Suspense

Instead of asking how to cause harm, you might consider asking for writing tips on describing a character's emotional state or how to create a realistic and compelling narrative around a sensitive topic. This approach can provide valuable insights without crossing ethical or legal boundaries.

Safety First

Ultimately, it's important to prioritize the safety and well-being of your readers. Writing about sensitive topics requires a deep understanding of the potential consequences. If your intention is to help readers, consider seeking guidance from mental health professionals or experts in the field.

Quora, like any platform, wants to ensure that its users are supported and that the content shared contributes positively to their well-being. By adhering to the platform's guidelines and seeking professional advice, you can create meaningful and responsible content.

Do you have any more questions about Quora's policies or need further clarification? Let us know in the comments below!