Subreddits are definitely how it manifests, but the problem is with the design itself. Upvotes and downvotes with effectively no restrictions (unlike, for exam

Subreddits are definitely how it manifests, but the problem is with the design itself. Upvotes and downvotes with effectively no restrictions (unlike, for example, HN, which has a variety of restrictions in place) plus the fact that every subreddit is a weird little dictatorship/oligarchy where moderators are given the tools to unilaterally direct conversation / silence dissidents / etc was always gonna be a recipe for disaster (in retrospect). Certain subreddits being small and focused enough to avoid this (for now) doesn't make Reddit not a cesspool.