kudosvasteisiin

Kudosvasteisiin is a Finnish term describing a phenomenon in online communication in which praise or positive recognition is directed toward replies rather than original posts. The practice can influence which ideas gain attention and shape the course of a discussion, as highly praised responses attract more visibility and further engagement.

Etymology: The word combines kudos, a loanword for praise, with vasteisiin, the illative plural form of vaste meaning “to the responses.” The term thus signals turning positive feedback toward the replies themselves.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in Finnish online culture in the 2020s and is used in media commentary and academic discussions of online engagement and reward dynamics. It is not a formal technical term but a descriptive concept.

Impact: Proponents argue kudosvasteisiin can reward careful, useful replies and foster constructive dialogue. Critics warn that it can bias attention toward popular voices, amplify conformity, and pressure participants to craft replies that solicit praise rather than contribute meaningful content.

Examples: In a forum thread, several kudos to a reply may draw attention to that specific comment while the original post receives less recognition, potentially guiding future responses.

See also: online feedback, upvotes, social capital, gamification.