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Why are so many comments being downvoted for expressing opinions and countering data? Are HN readers beginning to aggressively use the downvote button?
by Hammershaft 5y ago
Why are so many comments being downvoted for expressing opinions and countering data? Are HN readers beginning to aggressively use the downvote button?
- bourgwaletariat 5y agoIt's a metaproblem that HN doesn't want to address. It creates an echo chamber that isolates dissent. There's a framework in any society, including those online that serves to isolate the higher man. Group think is required. The particular opinion here is that everyone should get vaccinated. Any other opinion is down voted. Solution: Downvotes should require an accompanying comment as to why. Downvoting without explanation does nothing to change minds or behavior. It just alienates people. Ironically, if one gets a downvote without explanation, it only serves to reinforce the opinion of the downvoted commenter. HN, like every community, and every person has blind spots and this is one of theirs.