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.
Social feedback is important. It’s not supposed to feel good, but it IS vital to building a healthy community. You need a sense of social awareness to evaluate your own ideas, even if the responder can’t clearly articulate their opposition.at the very least it says your presentation needs work.
Dialog also isn’t free. It’s easy to demand someone defend their position for you, but real, thoughtful articulation takes time and effort. Many will offer it freely, but not everyone can afford to entertain you and not every argument is worth the effort. Their rejection of your premises stil matter.
A world with only likes should terrify you. It’s the world of the executive surround by yes-men driving his company and the world to ruin. Human life requires friction. Every dislike is your ideas coming into contact with reality.