What parents need to know. Is it ok for children to be on Quora?

Quora is a popular platform where people ask and answer questions on nearly any topic. Whether you're looking for advice on fixing a bike or learning more about history, Quora's community is full of people willing to share their knowledge. Since the content is user-generated, everything you see on the platform is created, edited, and organized by the same people who use it. Users can sign up using Facebook, Twitter, Google or email. As part of the registration process, they are asked to select five areas of interest to follow. Registered users can post or respond to questions, post reviews, or add a blog about a topic.

Quora is both a knowledge-sharing platform and a social media site where users can follow people, engage in discussions, and explore specific questions. Despite the rise of AI platforms like ChatGPT, many still prefer Quora for its human-driven responses. The platform has 400 million monthly active users and covers over 300,000 topics in 24 languages. However, the real question is: Is Quora the right place for a child?

Quora vs. ChatGPT: What's the Difference?

ChatGPT may seem cooler at first glance, but there are a few reasons why people use Quora instead of just asking AI for answers.

1. Human vs. AI  Answers. Human vs. AI Responses

Quora relies on real people answering questions and sharing their expertise or opinions. In contrast, AI tools such as ChatGPT generate responses based on the data on which they are trained. Both can provide helpful information but may also give inaccurate answers.

2. Real-Time Knowledge vs. Historical Data

Quora's answers are provided by users with current knowledge. AI tools like ChatGPT rely on data up to a certain point and may not always have the latest information on current events.

3. User Interaction vs. Automated Conversations: On Quora, users can interact with each other through likes, comments, and private messages. In contrast, AI tools offer only one-way communication, lacking the dynamic back-and-forth interaction that can enhance discussions.

Is Quora Safe for Children?

While Quora can be a valuable resource, it poses potential risks, especially for younger users. The platform is rated for ages 13 and up, but there are a few things parents should watch out for.

Potential Dangers for Children on Quora

1. Inappropriate Content

Since anyone can ask or answer questions, children may come across topics that are not suitable for their age. Despite Quora's moderators working to remove inappropriate content, children may still be exposed to mature or harmful material.

2. Unverified Information

Quora doesn't guarantee the accuracy of all answers. Some responses may spread misinformation, which can mislead children who are still learning to critically assess online content. Parents should remind their kids that the number of upvotes doesn't necessarily mean an answer is correct.

3. Online Predators and Scammers

Quora's private messaging feature opens the door to potential interactions with online predators or scammers.

4. Exposure to Strong Opinions and Bullying

Quora's open platform allows for debates, which can sometimes escalate into heated discussions. Children may encounter harmful opinions or experience online bullying, which can negatively impact their emotional well-being.

How to Set Up Quora for Maximum Privacy and Safety

To protect your child's privacy on Quora, adjust the platform's privacy settings. Here's how:

How to Access Privacy Settings

1. Log in to Quora and click on your profile icon.
2. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the Privacy and Notifications sections.

Key Privacy Settings to Adjust

1.     Search Engine Visibility

• Disable Allow search engines to index your name to keep your child's profile from appearing in search results.

2.     Content Recommendations

• Turn off Allow adult content in recommendations to block inappropriate material from being suggested.

3.     Profile Discoverability

• Turn off Allow your profile to be discovered by email to prevent strangers from finding your child's profile via email.

4.     Language Model Content Usage

• Disable Allow large language models to be trained on your content to protect your child's information from being used to train AI systems.

5.     Inbox Preferences

• Set Who can send you messages? to No one to prevent unwanted messages.

6.     Comment Preferences

• Disable comments to reduce interactions with strangers.

7.     Ad Settings

• Turn off all targeted ads, including those based on demographics and activity, to minimize tracking.

8.     Notification Settings

• Disable notifications for followers to limit exposure.

How to Protect Children on Quora?

Although it is safer than similar Q&A websites when privacy settings are adjusted, parents can take extra precautions, including:

1.     Monitor Children's Activity

Regularly check what your child is doing on Quora, including the topics they follow and the questions they interact with. Make sure they know how to cross-check the information they find.

2.     Guide Them Toward Age-Appropriate Content

Help your child choose and follow topics that are suitable for their age. Teach them how to evaluate the information they come across and verify answers by checking other trusted sources.

3.   Encourage Open Conversations About Online Safety

Make sure your child feels comfortable discussing any concerns or questions about their online activity. Regular conversations about online safety can help them navigate platforms like Quora responsibly.

4. Keep Your Child Safe Online with Bitdefender Parental Control

Balancing your child's online safety and freedom can be challenging. Bitdefender Parental Control helps you filter out inappropriate content, set screen time limits, and monitor their activities—all without intruding on their personal space. Available with all paid Bitdefender products, it's easy to set up and ensures your child's online experience is as safe as possible.

FAQs

Can children use Quora?

Quora is technically for users 13 and older, but it's not specifically designed for kids. While there's valuable content, there are also risks associated with the platform.

Does Quora have inappropriate content?

Yes, Quora has a wide range of topics, including adult themes. Even though the platform has moderators, inappropriate content can slip through, so parental supervision is recommended.

Can you be tracked on Quora?

Yes, Quora profiles can be publicly visible unless privacy settings are adjusted. Users can be found by email, and Quora tracks activity for targeted ads. You can limit discoverability by adjusting privacy settings.

Is Quora safe for privacy?

Quora offers privacy settings that allow users to control visibility and interactions. For children, turning off messaging and AI data usage, and limiting tracking for ads can help protect their privacy.