I can’t say I never downvote anyone but I get into these comment chains from time to time where really no matter what I post whoever I’m talking to downvotes every response but I generally shy away from downvoting even things I dislike. I don’t want to fall into an echo chamber where all I see are only the things I agree with.
This platform does not run on upvotes and downvotes, that’s Reddit. There is no algorithm here that is influenced by votes. In fact, there are some instances that don’t show or allow downvotes at all.
I don’t think that’s true.
Lemmy uses vote counts to decide what content to show, just like reddit. The details are described here:
https://join-lemmy.org/docs/contributors/07-ranking-algo.html
The main difference between lemmy and reddit regarding votes, that I’m aware of, is that the votes a user receives are not collated and shown on their profile.
The algorithm is between your left and right ear. If you believe votes have no influence on users behavior then I have some unfortunate news for you.
You specifically said “this platform”. This platform does not run on upvotes and downvotes.
My dude, we are part of this platform and some of us seem to care. So I’d say yes, it runs on those as well, but way less than others.
I also said the algorithm is between your left and right ear, aka your brain. People act and react to stimulus accordingly. Downvote and upvotes psychology still exists on Lemmy.