How Telling the Truth Can Keep People Coming Back
Rejection is a part of life. It happens everywhere, from online forums to job applications. But how it's handled can make a big difference.
The Study
A recent study looked at how people react when they're rejected on an online forum called Stack Overflow. The study found that people were more likely to come back if they were given a detailed reason for their rejection.
Before and After 2013
- Before 2013: Stack Overflow was known for being tough on contributors. They had strict rules about the quality of posts. If someone's post didn't meet their standards, it was rejected.
- After 2013: They started giving more detailed explanations for rejections.
The study compared the before and after and found that new users were more likely to return when they knew why their post was rejected.
Quality of Posts
The study also found that the quality of posts didn't decrease. This means that giving detailed rejections didn't lower the standards of the forum. Instead, it encouraged more people to contribute. This is good for the forum because it means they get more content without sacrificing quality.
Broader Implications
The study suggests that this approach could be used in other settings too. For example, in the workplace, giving detailed rejections could:
- Encourage employees to keep contributing ideas.
- Help them improve their ideas in the future.
Human vs. Computer Rejections
The study also looked at whether it matters if the rejection comes from a human or a computer. The researchers aren't sure, but they think there might be a difference. They suggest that companies should consider this when they're deciding how to handle rejections.
Conclusion
The study shows that giving detailed rejections can be beneficial. It can:
- Encourage people to keep contributing.
- Improve their ideas.
This is good for both the individual and the organization.
