Downvotes

Downvotes are a user action on many online communities that express disapproval of a post, comment, or answer. They serve as a signal that content may be low quality, inaccurate, off-topic, or not useful to the discussion. They are typically used in conjunction with upvotes to form a net score that can influence visibility and moderation.

Across platforms, downvotes function as a form of feedback and a quality control mechanism. In many systems, a high ratio of downvotes relative to upvotes can cause content to appear lower in lists, be hidden from default feeds, or be flagged for review. The exact consequences vary: some sites tie downvotes to changes in the author's reputation or privileges, while others separate voting from reputation and rely on automated ranking signals.

The use of downvotes carries both benefits and risks. They can help deter low-quality content and surface more relevant material, but they can also be misused to harass or suppress unpopular opinions, or to punish mistakes. Communities often implement guidelines, require explanations, or provide moderator tools to curb abuse and to promote constructive feedback.

In sum, downvotes are a common mechanism for community-driven quality control, balancing the goal of surfacing valuable content with the need to protect contributors from unfair or harmful responses.