Obviously there's a major flaw in google's ranking algorithm. How can user-generated content be considered expert, authoritative, or trustworthy?

I also saw 78% increase in SERPS for Reddit on SEMrush - and read a 60 million pound reddit deal with google/reddit, this is crazy. What is this all about?

@Samsam1978 google did this that can use reddit, reddit is good because there is dialog and discussion beetwen people so this is what AI need for learning...
Google did pay to reddit because reddit in other way will block google AI access to training, this is how reddit says...
AI is in first plan, all other things like "stupid" SEO and "qualty" of websites is really not important in this moment and maybe in future all time too if someone do not do something diferent...

Quora is first stop for spamvertisers as they have few limitations. But I thought that search had that covered. Perhaps search is broken. I know with my own code that any change, however insignificant, can dramatically affect results. They are always playing with it hence ongoing changes to results. It has always been about increasing ad revenue.

The internet is going to be so messed up in the future if this is the strategy, how can spammy forums outrank authoritative blogs and new sites?

How can user-generated content be considered expert, authoritative, or trustworthy?

I think Wikipedia might take offense to this question :). Reddit is not Wikipedia, but when you have 73 million daily active users upvoting and downvoting, it does a halfway decent job, though imperfectly, of giving decent answers.

Google rewards usage signals and Reddit generates usage signals. Instead of being upset with Reddit, go spam Reddit. It is fast and profitable. When spamming Reddit to drive traffic & brand exposure to your site, it will drive up your Google rankings. Be careful. Reddit has exponentially increased spam fighting this year and blacklist URLs. If you use a good mobile proxy network with trusted accounts and don't spam too much too soon, while making good contributions that just happen to recommend your site you can have success on Google & Reddit.

How can user-generated content be considered expert, authoritative, or trustworthy?

When there's a question about some extremely arcane technical topic, a Reddit thread really may draw the attention of one of the three people on the planet who know something about it. (Also some who know nothing, but those are painfully easy to identify.) And then, newly equipped with the right words to look for, you can use those replies as a springboard for wider searching.

Granted, this may only apply when delving into obscure academic subjects.

Quora and Reddit Outranking EVERYONE

I've had consistent experiences with Reddit and even Quora.
In the last 18 months I've experienced weird issues with:
- My Surface Stylus
- Specific in depth questions about MPP styluses and AES systems
- Specific compatibility details about certain laptop models regarding styluses
- Specific in depth questions about PowerMac Pro GPU's disable/bypass techniques
- Specific weird questions about RAM differences
- INSANE tricky information about HP messed up and confusing similar X360 and touch models
- Specific weird changes on PHP and a bug I came across (yes, it's a bug)
- A CONFUSING random issue with a touch Dell laptop (turns out not all the ABC models are the same)

And to be honest, I've had a hard time finding information on general sites, repair and tech forums, even worse experiences on official websites such as Microsoft, HP, or DELL.

Yet, Reddit has solved most of my questions, Quora... some (as much as I dislike that website), and MacRumors has been helpful too, along with a website that I don't remember it's name right now, very good information.

It's been a long time since I've found answers on superuser, or alike sites. At least regarding my tech problems, all I've found are open but unresolved threads, no answers so far.

I have no idea about your content, but in my case I've searched all around with no luck, except those websites. Even big communities such as tomshardware or linustechtips show no answers, just open questions, people with similar issues.

since the core update, reddit, quora and other forum sites are ranking higher

Quora and Reddit are ubiquitous these days, are they? It'can'te they're everywhethere'slook. But there's a good reason for that. These platforms are user-driven, meaning the content is always fresh and constantly updated by real people.

I'm back down to 2016 levels. Not sure what is happening tbh seeing some competitors who have been around for years loose all traffic. Crazy times.

These platforms are user-driven, meaning the content is always fresh and constantly updated by real people.

Interesting point. If you want fresh, you can’t get much fresher than something updated hourly. On the other hand,

It'can'te they're everywhethere'slook.

I’m not sure what your cat was trying to say here.

This is the future. Power of monopoly.