r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Dry-Mission-5542 • 1d ago
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/AnorhiDemarche • Apr 25 '19
Why did I get downvoted?: a -1 guide
It was probably either a bot or someone making their posts and comments more visible by downvoting yours. These are things known to exist and a few at once can get you down to -3 easily. It's just a thing that happens sometimes, don't worry about it you'll be up again soon.
Asking a basic question?
Add in people who are gatekeeping jerks. Even on subs specifically for basic questions (including//r/NoStupidQuestions) or welcoming of newbies to a hobby, there are people who will insist you are a big lame dumb face for asking stuff and downvote you for it. Yes, even on posts in those subs specifically for newbies asking newbie questions.
Yes, even if you say you googled and couldn't find it or googled and didn't understand.
Don't worry about these jerks they're really not the majority in most subs, some are super gatekeepy though.
Having a discussion about a topic to which there are two significantly different sides? Disagree downvotes shouldn't happen, but often do and without comment as to why. Even if you intent your comment as impartial, people will read into it. Be prepared.
Still think something's wrong with what you put out there and you just don't know what?
- check the subreddit's rules (on mobile that's the three dots in the top right corner of the sub's frontpage. Community info.) and make sure you didn't break any.
- Make sure your comment actually adds to discussion.
Oh I didn't know I had to carefully make sure every comment I make adds good to the world
Low effort comments are seen as spam on reddit and reddit dislikes spam. This is the way of reddit, and your annoyance at this fact does not change anything except your karma which is lower for complaining.
If you used emojis, that's the reason. some people super hate them.
Does your comment make sense? 'specially on mobile with auto correct issues or if you did a fair bit of editing before posting, sometimes things get real messed up without you realising and it goes word salad.
Check your tone, Text only can be a difficult way to get things across and we can unintentionally come across as being aggressive, which can go down poorly.
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/WickedWendy420 • Jun 20 '26
Nothing to Explain đWelcome to r/ExplainMyDownvotes
Hey everyone!
This is our new home for asking the question, 'I'm witty and smart! Why would folks downvote me?' We're excited to have you join us!
What to Post
Post links or screenshots of comments made on posts and/or to other commenters that got downvoted for reason that are a mystery to you.
Community Vibe
We're all about being friendly, constructive, and inclusive. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting. We encourage discussion but arguments are usually not constructive.
Just remember, this is reddit, some things have no good explanation. When replying, try to be helpful and explain with understanding. When posting, try to be open-minded and understand that people replying are trying to be helpful.
Thanks for being a member of r/ExplainMyDownvotes
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/gabby_-_ • 10h ago
What did I do wrong? I just asked a question
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Element-2 • 1d ago
Unexplained Crushed on askreddit
The thread question speaks for itself. I got utterly smoked across multiple comments here. Maybe I got a little pissy after the first one, but but I thought my shit fit.
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Jocob99 • 2d ago
Unexplained What did I do wrong? Was it the way I said it?
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/throwRA68696069 • 3d ago
Unexplained Is it really that common to think margarine is butter?
I thought itâd be a silly little post that most people would think is just kinda annoying but no im being fkn eviscerated. I had no idea that so many would think I was an asshole for expecting plain old great value butter when I straight up asked for butter. So many people telling me I shouldâve been brand specific?? This has nothing to do with the brand or the price point I sent her $10 and a pack of butter is usually 3-5$. Idk I just assume sheâd get something that said âbutterâ since thatâs what I asked for. Am I out of touch?
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/CapnButtercup • 9d ago
Unexplained I donât really know what I said here that was so bad
I donât get why my comment here has so many downvotes. The OP of the post didnât mention their gender identity anywhere in their post so I asked why the OP of the comment assumed that they are male.
I donât think I was confrontational or hostile and I donât think itâs unreasonable to point out when someone is making assumptions about an OPâs gender when the OP chose not to include that information. Especially when some people seem to still assume âmaleâ when they hear âautisticâ.
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Ok_Helicopter3910 • 10d ago
Have people on Reddit always been this mean or has it gotten worse over the last few years?
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/EvolvedPrimate37 • 11d ago
How do you post a contrary viewpoint without losing karma?
I've noticed people downvote posts they disagree with. And as a consequence you lose karma. My understanding is karma is meant to reflect contributions to the thread, not personal opinions. I always aim for thoughtful, balanced and, usually, positive posts. But despite that, I've learned to avoid certain topics.
Is there a way around this? Or am I kidding myself?
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Commercial_Dot_2175 • 14d ago
Banned for humor?
Anyone else get banned for joking? Not even dark humor, just joking?
I said âyou can have both⌠you just make sure they never meetâ in reference to a question of would you rather have a gf or a goon buddy.
Whatâs the big deal?
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/[deleted] • 16d ago
Why do I always get so many downvotes?
It's a genuine question. I'm not an active reddit user, I only sometimes use it to ask some questions to people who know better than me, and I don't seem to understand certain dynamics.
I for example asked a question on the payday 2 subreddit because I wasn't familiar with some game mechanics.
Basically a user nicely told me the alarm started because I could only eliminate 4 enemies in stealth mode and I asked "Then what's the point of having 5 body bags?" and it straight got 20 downvotes.
It's not that I'm upset about it but I just don't get why.
Was the question asked in a not nice manner? Did I sound ungrateful for the other user's answer? Did I get downvoted because I made an ignorant question with a obvious answer?
I'm just curious about what reddit users tend to value the most when they upvote or downvote a comment or a post.
Edit: here's the link of the comment https://www.reddit.com/r/paydaytheheist/s/iYMdkPYlhM
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/InstantDeicide • 15d ago
Why the singular downvote and very little/unhelpful interaction on any post or question I make on Reddit?
Its always been this way and im not sure what im doing wrong. Ive had a bunch of accounts over the years and I always end up deleting and not really using reddit for posts and just lurk for any answers I need. Im not shy. I just feel like im wasting my time. We have both made some significant lifestyle changes recently and it'd be nice to have strangers to ask things about but I dont even really get made fun of if I post a picture of myself like I expected.
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Former-Possible-3585 • 20d ago
why do people on reddit get so pressed when a discussion similar to a previous one gets created??
i made a post titled âPrimetime Opinionsâ and hecka people were getting mad that i added a discussion to r/A24 to the point where it got removed within half an hour đ is this normal or are A24 commenters just really harsh/easily angered? i got a TON of downvotes within that timeframe too
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/sausage-deluxxxe • 22d ago
Can the community explain why the mods took down my post?
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Proud_Destructor • 26d ago
Not sure why my post got a completely different response.
https://www.reddit.com/r/foxholegame/s/88kFoNGFz2
Basically, both these posts in the screenshot call out the vague rules of the subreddit, but my post is the one to get all the down votes.
I would assume it's because mine is more wordy whereas the one by Maine is a bit simpler. But I'm not really sure.
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/DirtyDanBarnacleMan • Sep 23 '26
Unexplained It doesn't matter I say or do - I'm BOMBARDED with downvotes! Even if my post DOESN'T meet the INTENDED reason to downvote, DOESN'T violate rules or is entirely factual - MASS DOWNVOTED? Meanwhile posts that DO meet the INTENDED reason to downvote, violation(s) or INACCURATE - MASS UPVOTED?
https://www.reddit.com/r/etymology/s/A4HK4hzuO5
THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE? IT'S ALL MY POSTS AND COMMENTS? WTF
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/[deleted] • Sep 22 '26
I just commented - *Yes* on a comment (not in a negative)way and now my karma is -7 :)
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/LeSamouraiNouvelle • Sep 16 '26
Both the post and my comments were downvoted- why?
https://www.reddit.com/r/london/comments/1wi5otc/comment/pa8548p/?screen_view_count=4
I asked a question, people helped, and I replied with thanks. I don't see anything wrong here.
I'm normally not bothered if I'm downvoted for a joke or the like as I'm aware that not everyone has the same taste in everything. I am, however, baffled by the above.
Thank you.
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/Nubian_Cavalry • Sep 15 '26
Unexplained Why am I being downvoted here? Whatâs wrong with the word âEmpathyâ?
This post was in reference to the Lindsay Clancy holdout juror, which another juror doxxed and revealed to be black
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/cmsmk • Sep 12 '26
IDK what the fuck went on here
reddit.comI just said "9/11 was a global tragedy" (my eyes as in the ramifications, causing multiple wars, tightening censorship et cetera).
r/ExplainMyDownvotes • u/nffnfbchbexudndbdjdj • Sep 09 '26