There is a pull request which adds a new setting show_downvotes with these settings:
- Show (current behaviour)
- Hide (all downvotes hidden in ui)
- ShowForOthers (only downvotes on other user’s posts are visible)
Importantly the last option would become the new default, which means that users wont be aware that their post or comment was downvoted unless they manually change the setting. This may be good for mental health, but may also make it harder for users to realize that their content is unpopular. What do you think about it?
I could see it being a “softer” way of a community enforcing good behavior, especially for things that don’t rise to the level of mod action.
I’m not on an instance with (visible?) downvotes though, and I do think that makes me more comfortable voicing opinions.
The hexbear mods/admins will probably have gotten community feedback and done a poll, so might be worth checking with them?
Hexbear does not have downvotes at all. The option isn’t hidden we just can’t downvote. The reason was transphobic harassment/downvote campaigns against our comrades by cowardly piss babies