Jun 12th 2025, 20:55:07
On Stack Overflow, when a user flags a post (for being offensive, spam, not an answer, or needing moderator attention), the system tracks the flag and sends it to either community review queues or moderators depending on the type. (moderately offensive vs highly offensive)
Once reviewed, if the community or mods agree and take action, it's counted as a valid flag. If they disagree or leave the post up, it's considered a false flag.
Stack Overflow keeps track of this. Users who flag accurately build up a helpful flag count. But too many declined (false) flags can lead to restrictions, such as being temporarily unable to flag or having future flags carry less weight.
Example:
A user flags 100 posts.
If 90 of them result in action and 10 are declined, that’s a 90% flag accuracy.
But if they start flagging things they just personally dislike, and those flags get declined more often, the system starts to treat their flags as less trustworthy. Eventually, they may even lose the ability to flag altogether.
Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.