Tbh i dont think the downvote button should reduce the visibility of a comment. Downvotes should just show the general consensus. They shouldn’t mask discorse. If people have different opinions, then they should be visible. The up and downvotes will tell readers what most people in a given community think about a particular opinion, which should be enough to shape the opinions of those on the fence or less in the know. but maintaining the visibility of the comments stops a valid point from being buried by a smaller but more vocal minority.
If we shape our opinions only by what ends up on top on any given day based on who happened to be browsing at that time then we may end up censoring good points. All sides should be considered or opinions become narrow and nobody will consider anything other than what they are told to.
Tbh i dont think the downvote button should reduce the visibility of a comment. Downvotes should just show the general consensus. They shouldn’t mask discorse. If people have different opinions, then they should be visible. The up and downvotes will tell readers what most people in a given community think about a particular opinion, which should be enough to shape the opinions of those on the fence or less in the know. but maintaining the visibility of the comments stops a valid point from being buried by a smaller but more vocal minority.
If we shape our opinions only by what ends up on top on any given day based on who happened to be browsing at that time then we may end up censoring good points. All sides should be considered or opinions become narrow and nobody will consider anything other than what they are told to.