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. The original intent of the downvote on reddit was for things that actively take away from the conversations; not merely because you disagree with it.
Equally, the upvote was for things that contribute, not just for things you like.