Understanding the Need to Block on Medium

When I first ventured onto Medium, I eagerly followed numerous writers. However, I've recently found myself hitting the 'Block' button for a select few. This doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate many contributors—I truly do. Yet, there are specific behaviors that prompt me to block someone.

Here's a rundown of my blocking criteria, aimed at maintaining the quality of my Medium experience.

The Clap-and-Run Phenomenon

I'm sure I’m not alone in noticing certain users who applaud multiple articles in rapid succession—like clapping for ten pieces in just a minute. It’s clear they haven't taken the time to read, which negatively impacts my read-ratio.

A thoughtful engagement, including reading, highlighting, and commenting, adds value to our community. While I don’t block every person who claps without additional commentary, persistent offenders raise a red flag, leading me to take action. Authentic interaction is what we should strive for.

Comment-Clappers: A Curious Trend

It's odd to see some users clapping on my comments without any real connection. I might have a few comments that gained traction, which is nice, but I find it strange when people I don't know applaud my responses on various articles.

If they acknowledged just one comment, that would be understandable. However, the lack of genuine interaction feels off.

Misleading Content

This is especially concerning when it comes to health recommendations, statistical data, and personal success stories. I've encountered articles claiming extraordinary achievements, only to discover the author has very few followers or engagements.

It's disheartening to see fabricated narratives being praised, while authentic and relatable stories often go unnoticed. A quick glance at an author’s profile can reveal whether their claims hold any merit. If their content consistently seems exaggerated, I won’t hesitate to block them.

The Rise of AI-Generated Content

The prevalence of AI-written articles is increasingly concerning. It's easy to spot content that lacks a human touch, with generic phrases and superficial lists.

These pieces often feel like a waste of time, offering little value to the reader. Moreover, AI-generated comments can come off as insincere and robotic. It’s frustrating to see such disingenuous interactions, as genuine thoughts are far more valuable.

Suspicious Engagement Patterns

Certain behaviors are red flags, such as multiple accounts with no profile pictures or followers engaging with all your articles. These clear attempts at boosting visibility are disheartening.

While growing an audience on Medium can be challenging, resorting to fake personas isn't the answer. Authentic growth comes from writing for the joy of sharing, not just for follower counts.

Conclusion: The Power of Blocking

I have no qualms about blocking writers whose behaviors detract from my experience on Medium. This tool allows me to focus on genuine content, eliminating distractions like spammy articles or disengaged clappers.

Thank you for joining me in this exploration of maintaining a quality reading experience on Medium. Your engagement matters, and I hope you found value in these insights!