> the toxic hate it engenders on all the subreddits.

I always see people saying this and I have to wonder what subreddits they're subscribed to. My experience is basically fine, sure there's some shitty discussions or a few hostile idiots lurking about, but it's no worse than message boards generally, and most conversations seem rather good.

Part of me wonders whether some posters are just extraordinarily sensitive, and intentionally dive into the most downvoted top level comments so they can get their daily dose of outrage at the things trollS say.

I guess the specialized subreddits are okayish, but I am always shocked when looking at the frontpage. The amount of hate and misery that appears in the most liked posts (posts and comments) is disconcerting. Just checked: Cringetopia, IdiotsInCars, MurderedByWords, JusticeServed, facepalm, PublicFreakout, iamverysmart, ChoosingBeggars...

I know that most reddit visitors are teenagers or young adults and that controversal topics get more clicks etc. etc. That's what people want to see? It's so...how should I say it?...sad.

Specialised subs with good moderation, dedicated to topics that are positive things, are pretty much always fun experiences. Those subreddits you mention though - I think I've filtered every single one of them from my feed because they are just inherently negative

I filtered every one of those subs and even darker ones appear behind it. It's like a never ending mole hunt.

> I have to wonder what subreddits they're subscribed to.

Just look at r/all

I sometimes wonder if reddit was designed to spread groupthink, or if it was just a happy accident.

I openly say I work for Reddit. I even actively try to convince people to work here as well!

I openly admit to working at Reddit. In fact, I got hired after reading a post in the monthly hiring thread here on HN.