r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Apr 25 '19

Why did I get downvoted?: a -1 guide

142 Upvotes

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 • • Jun 20 '26

Nothing to Explain 👋Welcome to r/ExplainMyDownvotes

22 Upvotes

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Thanks for being a member of r/ExplainMyDownvotes


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 49m ago

Have people on Reddit always been this mean or has it gotten worse over the last few years?

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r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 1h ago

So me moving to China is bad because I prefer it better than America? Isn’t upvoting and downvoting means contribution and not opinions?

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r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 1d ago

How do you post a contrary viewpoint without losing karma?

0 Upvotes

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 • • 4d ago

Banned for humor?

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0 Upvotes

Anyone else get banned for joking? Not even dark humor, just joking?

I said “you can have both… you just make sure they never meet” in reference to a question of would you rather have a gf or a goon buddy.

What’s the big deal?


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 4d ago

Man

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r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 5d ago

Why do I always get so many downvotes?

7 Upvotes

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 • • 5d ago

Why the singular downvote and very little/unhelpful interaction on any post or question I make on Reddit?

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0 Upvotes

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 • • 9d ago

Why was this post removed

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0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 10d ago

why do people on reddit get so pressed when a discussion similar to a previous one gets created??

0 Upvotes

i made a post titled “Primetime Opinions” 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 😭 is this normal or are A24 commenters just really harsh/easily angered? i got a TON of downvotes within that timeframe too


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 11d ago

Can the community explain why the mods took down my post?

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0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 12d ago

Unexplained Same answer to the same questions about butts? NSFW

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0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 15d ago

What am I missing here?

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2 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 16d ago

Not sure why my post got a completely different response.

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0 Upvotes

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 • • 22d ago

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?

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0 Upvotes

https://www.reddit.com/r/etymology/s/A4HK4hzuO5

THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE? IT'S ALL MY POSTS AND COMMENTS? WTF


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 23d ago

I just commented - *Yes* on a comment (not in a negative)way and now my karma is -7 :)

0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • 28d ago

Both the post and my comments were downvoted- why?

0 Upvotes

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 • • Sep 15 '26

Unexplained Why am I being downvoted here? What’s wrong with the word “Empathy”?

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0 Upvotes

This post was in reference to the Lindsay Clancy holdout juror, which another juror doxxed and revealed to be black


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Sep 12 '26

IDK what the fuck went on here

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0 Upvotes

I just said "9/11 was a global tragedy" (my eyes as in the ramifications, causing multiple wars, tightening censorship et cetera).


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Sep 09 '26

There is something seriously wrong here. I ask a simple question and mods have to remove 2 comments within the first 30 minutes. Thank you to those who stood with me.

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0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Sep 06 '26

He's a he because of his Adam's apple *shows proof* and is downvoted!

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0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Sep 05 '26

Explain it please

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0 Upvotes

I swear if this is like r/mysteriousdownvoting as if you cant have too low of downvotes


r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Sep 02 '26

Explained Mod here! Here's your chance to explain MY downvotes.

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0 Upvotes

r/ExplainMyDownvotes • • Sep 01 '26

Does anyone know what this means?

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I violated no rule in my comment. My guess is the moderator banned me because they juts don't agree? what does "using an alt" mean?