Niche forums with small communities tend to be best, and a lot less toxic.
This has a lot more to do with small self selecting groups to already be on the same page and know each other enough to give each other the benefit of the doubt that they are discussing in other good faith. Not always true, but far more likely simply by being a smaller group
Reddit and other threaded formats allow for easier replies in large groups, which does mean that is less likely and it is more likely to argue with as random user with a significant lack of trust. This lack of trust is also reflected in the voting and behavior related to voting.
Yup you’re right. That last part was more of an addendum for those that consider trying to find new forums.
Obviously, the voting system is only one part of the story. It by itself won’t dictate if a community will be healthy or toxic; other things like the community culture and mods will have a heavier impact. But in my experience, in all the places I’ve been in, the voting system is one of the ingredients that does have an effect on the cake overall.
The benefit I have seen in smaller communities is that it reduces dogpiling and ‘me too!’ redundant comments although at a trade for the negatives you mentioned.
This has a lot more to do with small self selecting groups to already be on the same page and know each other enough to give each other the benefit of the doubt that they are discussing in other good faith. Not always true, but far more likely simply by being a smaller group
Reddit and other threaded formats allow for easier replies in large groups, which does mean that is less likely and it is more likely to argue with as random user with a significant lack of trust. This lack of trust is also reflected in the voting and behavior related to voting.
Yup you’re right. That last part was more of an addendum for those that consider trying to find new forums.
Obviously, the voting system is only one part of the story. It by itself won’t dictate if a community will be healthy or toxic; other things like the community culture and mods will have a heavier impact. But in my experience, in all the places I’ve been in, the voting system is one of the ingredients that does have an effect on the cake overall.
The benefit I have seen in smaller communities is that it reduces dogpiling and ‘me too!’ redundant comments although at a trade for the negatives you mentioned.
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