Is Quora a Good Addiction?
Today, I was waiting in the Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD) area, sitting alone, and my phone battery was dead. If it had been three months ago, before I had any idea about Quora, I might have been wandering around the hospital complex, staring at random patients, feeling bad for them, or perhaps counting the holes in these government walls.
Instead, I was thinking of an answer here, on Quora. Am I addicted? Maybe. Is it good or bad?
At least something was keeping my mind occupied during these 1.5 hours, instead of wasting away in empty daydreaming. But there's a counter-intuitive thought too: What's the worst addiction in your opinion?
If I had to answer this instantly, the first thing I would probably say is Chess. At least for me, as of now.
The Nature of Addictions
Addictions like liquor, smoking, and various social media platforms are clearly damaging. While you consume these, they consume you. However, brain-oriented addictions like chess or Quora often carry a false perception: they're believed to sharpen your mind. The association is with sheer intellect. So, even if you're playing these excessively, a part of you might think, 'I’m helping my brain in some way, at least.'
The reality, though, is that such addictions are more about recognizing patterns based on memory and moving pieces according to them. The same can be said for Quora. If your feed is good and excludes memes, then even if you spend extra time on this app, you might think you are helping yourself by becoming aware of more people's perspectives, maybe by practicing writing, or just reading and getting entertained. It might be a waste of time, but a constructive waste of time.
Still, it's unnecessary information. You'll hardly need it at any point in your life. Nevertheless, life isn't about being all productive. You don't do everything you do for a purpose. Agreeing with that, you shouldn't try to do so. Life would be too bland if you did.
Between Passing Time and Wasting Time
But then, there's a difference between passing the time and wasting it, right? Too much time spent on unnecessary information is surely a waste. In my opinion, indulging in such content involves an excess of anything being bad.
Conclusion: A Balanced View
While Quora can be both a good and a bad addiction depending on how one uses it, it's important to maintain a balanced approach. Engaging with content that brings value and knowledge, while also being mindful of the time spent, can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful experience. After all, life is about a balance of productivity and enjoyment.