I don't think it's for what you don't "like" but whether it was correct or relevant to the topic. So upvotes push important and relevant info forward. But I could be wrong.

[–] skylestia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

you're right according to official reddiquette. the intended use of the downvote button is to de-emphasize irrelevant content and content that otherwise doesn't contribute to the conversation

i have seen it argued that its intended use use doesn't matter versus how the majority of people actively use it, similar to language and symbols. usage evolves with time, so meaning evolves with it. personally i prefer the intended usage but i can see where ppl who make this argument are coming from.

the lemmy instance i joined doesn't have a downvote button at all!

edit: here's the official reddiquette archived on the wayback machine

In regard to voting:

Think before you downvote and take a moment to ensure you're downvoting someone because they are not contributing to the community dialogue or discussion. If you simply take a moment to stop, think and examine your reasons for downvoting, rather than doing so out of an emotional reaction, you will ensure that your downvotes are given for good reasons.

[–] Cevilia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Your average reddit user stopped reading at the words "take a moment". Sad, but true.

[–] skylestia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 1 year ago

tbh, i'd be surprised if most people ever even bothered to even open the reddiquette or terms of service or anything else. i'm not trying to put anyone down or be condescending -- i didn't read any of this when signing up either! i only knew about it because i read discussions about how votes should be used on reddit lol

it's true, most people are lazy and don't read and intuitively assume the downvote button is a dislike button. it's unfortunate, but i don't know if anything can reasonably be done about stuff like that because i don't think it's going to change that people don't read agreements or rules or guidelines before using a platform or program or service.