Quiz: Is Quora Actually Owned by Facebook?

There is a common misconception that Quora, a popular platform for asking and answering questions, is owned or controlled by Facebook. Let's clear this up once and for all by exploring the facts and differences between these two tech giants.

Background on Quora and Facebook

Quora was founded in 2009 by Adam D’Angelo, which makes it much older than Facebook. However, the two platforms have vastly different approaches when it comes to their governance and user experience.

The Myths and Reality

One of the most popular myths is that Quora is owned or controlled by Facebook. Contrary to this belief, Quora is an independent platform with its own set of policies and community guidelines. While Facebook has indeed owned or acquired several tech companies, Quora is not one of them.

Why It's Unlikely

Admirers of technology and entrepreneurs often associate Quora with Facebook due to their shared interest in knowledge and networking. However, let's delve into why the idea of Quora being owned by Facebook is highly unlikely:

Independent Governance: Quora, unlike Facebook, does not have any hidden policies that could limit or suppress user content. Facebook has faced criticism for its moderation practices, which often result in random accounts being removed for unspecified reasons. Quora, on the other hand, adheres strictly to its policies, making it a more democratic platform. Different Mindsets: The teams behind Quora and Facebook have fundamentally different mindsets. Quora was created by people who left Facebook, indicating a clear separation in their values and governance styles. Owner and Founder: Founder Adam D’Angelo has been vocal about his distaste for hierarchical control. This aligns with the culture of Quora, which values user independence and freedom of speech.

Proof of Independence

There is substantial proof that Quora operates independently:

No Influence from Zuckerburg: Contrary to the idea of Zuckerberg owning Quora, he does not have any significant influence over the platform. Zuckerberg's representatives on Quora have no higher privileges compared to other users. This allows users to express themselves freely and even criticize Zuckerberg and Facebook. User Freedom: Users on Quora express their opinions without fear of censorship or punishment, such as being banned, hacked, or silenced. This freedom is largely non-existent on Facebook, where users can face severe repercussions for negative comments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the notion that Quora is owned by Facebook is a myth. Quora's independent status, strict adherence to its policies, and the values of its creators all contribute to its unique position in the tech world. Users can feel assured that they are free to express themselves on this platform without fear of external control or censorship.

Key Points Recap:

Independent Ownership: Quora is an independent platform owned by Adam D’Angelo and not by Facebook. Open Policies: Quora operates under clearly stated policies, unlike Facebook which has hidden moderation rules. User Freedom: Users on Quora are free to express opinions without fear of censorship or punishment, unlike those on Facebook.

So, the next time you come across the notion that Quora is owned by Facebook, remember these facts and set the record straight.