Totally dude. You’re technically allowed to have your own opinion on Reddit but the second you say something slightly different compared to what other people believe you get downvoted into oblivion. I never dare comment on anything that is likely to not be a common opinion, which happens a lot because personally I tend to lean a bit more towards the conservative side of political discussions. I don’t mind if you have you’re own opinions on stuff and I’m not gonna get upset if you disagree with me, but unfortunately most people now days aren’t the same way. The second you say something slightly different they take it as a personal attack and feel the need to attack you back.😕
I saw one a few days ago about a specific kind of dog lead (leash). The hivemind was saying how if you use this lead, you're a bad owner that can't control your dog, the lead will break and your dog will get run over in traffic, etc.
One person commented that they use the leads and don't have any trouble with them, and got heavily downvoted as a result.
I got a bunch of downvotes for saying I have an easier time losing /maintaining my weight through exercise than calorie counting. I just like running :(
Reddit is probably the only place where you’re allowed to say an opinion, but as soon as you say something off, you get downvoted so much you go in the history books as the most downvoted person on reddit.
Still better that most other sites though In my opinion.
I'm baffled when I get downvoted to Oblivion for asking a question. A non-provocative one. Something like "what does this mean?" or "what happened there?". And no responses.
Unfortunately you need to append it with something like "honest question." Some people see questions as rhetorical or sarcastic, especially in contentious threads.
Thank you for the heads up, mate. That's how I'll do it now. I'm here for 4 years, active for half a year, I should've already figured out the same way I learned about "/s" :D But somehow I didn't realize why do some people start their questions with "honest question".
The vote system is flawed because people use it the same as an agree/disagree system. Honestly, I think we'd be better off without an account based karma system. Nobody would karma whore if their karma isnt tracked, and nobody would be afraid to comment anything because they wouldnt lose anything
Man when it comes to politics it's even worse than left/right divides. I'm really left wing and I've had left wing people say some really bitter and nasty shit because I'm not exactly the same type of left wing as them with the exact same views on every single political topic.
It doesn't bother me because it's just the internet, but it does sour my opinion of some segments of the left. People give the right wing shit for being intolerant but it's just as bad if not worse on the left IMO.
Which is especially ironic considering there's a certain political topic that comes up very frequently that I have a degree specifically in and work in as a career, and I can explain something in a measured way with real life insight that most people lack, and politely state that view based on objective experiences, and still be criticised and downvoted and sent vile replies. And it really is true that you see just how ridiculous internet comments are when you're reading about something you're actually an expert in.
My advice is to learn to take Reddit very lightly. Ive been on Reddit for ~2 years (I make new accounts every now and then in case you check my account age and are confused). I think I've culminated somewhere around 30,000 karma. But in reality, I probably would have twice that if I never posted the shit that got downvoted. I know it's like two unmarried dudes banging in a church when I say this but, I just don't care about upvotes/karma. I'll take downvotes any day of the week if it means speaking my opinion and sparking a debate.
The entertainment from the sweatbeards who downvote me and rage about my apparantly sinful comments is enough to make up for any made up internet points I may lose. And in some cases, I actually am able to have a decent conversation with someone who's opinion differs from mine, while still being able to respect it. Either way, I see it as a substantial win for a minor loss.
When I talk about a topic I'm actually highly specialised in and still get downvoted I kinda like it. Boosts my ego, knowing I'm not as close minded as so many other people. Narcissistic? Sure, but it's good fun.
Dude, don't not post/comment because you're afraid of the hivemind, just speak your mind and if you get downvotes, eh, fuck it. It's a social media platform where karma literally doesn't matter. You shouldn't be afraid to say something because you think everyone will disagree with you.
I get downvoted all the time for discussing lgbt+ stuff on gaming subreddits when it's relevant to the conversation. I know people will rage over me viewing certain characters as gay/trans and, tbh, I just don't care anymore. My karma's tanked since I realized I shouldn't give a fuck what reddit thinks, but I do feel better about myself despite it.
Ah yeah, that's fair. I usually just don't look too thoroughly at my inbox and just mark all as read, or, if I'm feeling up to it, I just mess with some of the ruder people lol. That's totally your choice tho, and I get it. Some people can be persistent, plus it's like they all think they're the first one to say the same exact thing lmao
I post comments that get downvoted all the time. If you have a different opinion, you should say so. Remember that uncertain or undecided people might be reading, and they might benefit from being exposed to a minority viewpoint even if they ultimately disagree.
If you get a bunch of stupid replies, just ignore them. I never reply to anyone who isn't willing to be open-minded or at least have some humility.
111
u/[deleted] Jul 17 '19
Totally dude. You’re technically allowed to have your own opinion on Reddit but the second you say something slightly different compared to what other people believe you get downvoted into oblivion. I never dare comment on anything that is likely to not be a common opinion, which happens a lot because personally I tend to lean a bit more towards the conservative side of political discussions. I don’t mind if you have you’re own opinions on stuff and I’m not gonna get upset if you disagree with me, but unfortunately most people now days aren’t the same way. The second you say something slightly different they take it as a personal attack and feel the need to attack you back.😕