• Cris@lemmy.world
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    6 hours ago

    Earnest question- what is it supposed to be used for? I don’t downvote people very often, but I think I’ve only ever seen it used express approval or disapproval so that the score reflects community sentiment

    How is it supposed to be used?

    • HereIAm@lemmy.world
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      37 minutes ago

      In addition to what others said, in comments the down vote is meant to be used on comments that don’t further discussion in good faith.

      I used to subscribe to that idea, but I’ve since changed my mind. If the far majority use upvotes to mean agreement, then me upvoting a controversial, but well structured, opinion will likely be viewed as agreement as well.

      It’s a nice idea to think the voting system is meant to promote discussion, instead of homogenise opinions in a community.

    • dch82@lemmy.zip
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      6 hours ago

      when a post doesn’t fit the community purpose or is generally inappropriate

      • Cris@lemmy.world
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        2 hours ago

        I guess that’s usually also the basis on which I disagree with someone 😅 most of the time if I’m downvoting someone it’s because I think they’re being unkind, which I consider being inappropriate

        Thanks for sharing your perspective with me :)