They matter in that they influence position on the page (via an algorithm that takes other things into account). They matter (emothionally) in that it is somew

They matter in that they influence position on the page (via an algorithm that takes other things into account). They matter (emothionally) in that it is somewhat rewarding to get an indication that someone else appreciated your submission or comment and it hurts to have your contribution rejected when it was given in good faith. They don't matter because it's all fake internet points and nobody lives or dies by this. Downvoting ability comes when you get enough fake internet points. The system works fairly well, although personally I think too much stuff fails to get flagged (or occasionally gets the flagging reverted by the admins) that is already more than adequately described on mainstream news sites. Anyway, welcome to the party.