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Be a better ~~lemming~~ Motorhead

One of the things that sets Lemmy, and the collective fediverse apart from other platforms is its community. Recently, there’s been a large influx of new users (myself included; thus I apologize if this is not the right location for this post). A toxic trait associated with other platforms is the incorrect use of the downvote. Historically, this function was used to hide comments that detracted from the conversation; however, next to no one uses it as intended, and it’s primarily used as a I disagree with you button.

I don’t think we’ll ever change how the downvote is used now - it’s current use is too entrenched. Instead, I suggest that rather than just downvoting and moving on with something you disagree with, that users expand on why they disagree with the post or comment. Not only does this generate more content, but it also can take the conversation into new areas and offer new perspectives that the OP had not considered. You might even actually change a mind or two by doing so, thus bringing people around to see your side of the coin. Commenting (with civility) on stuff you don’t agree with is beneficial on all fronts. It promotes discussion, and it offers new perspectives. It also minimizes the likelihood of echo chambers forming. That last bit is what I’ve come to value here the most. Other sites are just massive echo chambers where there’s a rote response or opinion. This creates a stale environment for users, and deters people from commenting. Why comment, when you know what the answer will be, or that you’ll be jumped on at the first word of disagreement with the entrenched opinion?

But what if I don’t have time to comment to support my downvote? Simple - don’t downvote unless the item you’re downvoting truly detracts from the conversation (as per the functions original intent).

I realize this is a bit of a rant/ramble, but I think by actively putting more effort into our comments and downvotes, we can make lemmy an even richer community than it already is.

Thanks for taking the time to read,

  • Shovel
OutrageousUmpire ,

One thing that helps here is that I can see exactly how many upvotes and how many downvotes a post/comment has, instead of an aggregated amount. It adds a level of responsibility, I think?

Also if you don’t like it, there are instances like Beehaw that don’t even allow downvotes.

Track_Shovel OP ,

Solar punk is experimenting with their return, or at least considering it. I don’t have much of an opinion, provided that context is provided, or at least they are used as originally intended.

xc2215x ,

Downvoting is fine if you disagree but not just for the sake of it.

yip-bonk ,
@yip-bonk@kbin.social avatar

On that other post about downvoting yesterday, I was told it is specifically NOT fine to downvote if one disagrees. Which is precisely how I’m used to using it.

I disagree with that interpretation, but, y’know, I didn’t downvote it. Because - ?

Bishma ,
@Bishma@social.fossware.space avatar

Disagree with me if you want but I think we should be referred to as Motorheads.

Track_Shovel OP ,

How the hell do I upvote you more? That’s an amazing perspective.

fiofiofio ,
@fiofiofio@kbin.social avatar

Counterpoint: a lot of people on Reddit complain about “you’re just downvoting because you disagree with me” when they’re being downvoted for spreading misinformation, being unnecessarily hostile or condescending or holier-than-thou, posting blatant dogwhistles, or sealioning.

I’d rather see people in general take a step back and stop taking downvotes so personally. You will get downvoted sometimes. It’s not always an ideological attack.

Candelestine ,

The Do Your Part community, I think its here on World, has been collecting content like this, if you would care to archive it there.

Track_Shovel OP ,

could you please link me to the community? as I said, I’m somewhat new here. While I’m still a wide-eyed idiot in this community, fumbling across the fediverse, I’m a hard working one and would like to add it this there.

Candelestine ,

!c/[email protected]

Track_Shovel OP ,

undefined> /[email protected]

thanks! much appreciated.

norgur ,
@norgur@discuss.tchncs.de avatar

You know those discussions that go further down, so get less and less votes because ppl don’t read the whole damn thing, until they become a back and forth between two people? Remember how many of those end on a single post with 0 upvotes. I hate those. I hate when the Downvote is only used to express “I have nothing to say, but I vaguely disagree”-downvotes.

Zathras , (edited )

Agreed. I only downvote if the comment is truly offensive, purposely unhelpful, or an obvious troll. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, old habits are hard to change. Everyone will have different opinions, and communities are a means of expressing them. As a whole, I believe the fediverse is trying to foster healthier conversations than other social media platforms which often encourage toxicity.
Thank you for bringing this subject matter to light.

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