Did you not see how downvotes are used here? To show an example from today:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49977612

It is clearly their opinion, but it was downvoted heavily. Doesn’t help that he is pro AI.

It seems like there's a difference between an "opinion" about the facts of the world (like the article you are referring to) and an opinion about subjective experience (like whether something is "fun" or not).

It can make sense to disagree and argue with the former, but for the latter, having different subjective opinion doesn't invalidate or contradict the original.

(In my opinion.)

What else are downvotes for other than to express disagreement?

Well, I suppose the original idea was that they are for low-quality stories and comments, not for expressing disagreement.

Just to continue this, if someone posts a comment lying about something, is that "low quality" or..?

Low-quality, off topic, don't make sense, violate site rules, rude, abusive, being a jerk, shill, propagandist. Disagree is actually the least negative reason to downvote someone.

the least negative reason is not very clear. do you mean "it's the least negative sentiment against the comment" or the least negative kind of comment? or do you mean "it is the least bad/wrong reason" or the best reason as in: it's better to use downvotes for disagreement than for other reasons (others should then be flagged?)?

i read it as the former, and hence upvoted your comment because i agree, but the downvotes of your comment suggest that others are reading the latter which feels wrong to me. that is of course if they actually agree with me.

Seems pretty clear what they meant. Of all the absurd, pedantic nonsense in this thread, I chose to downvote yours. Purely out of spite, and for giving me the bitter realization that I've wasted too much time on HN today.

well that just made my day. best downvote ever. for two reasons, one is the explanation itself, the other the fact that you explained it. downvotes are frustrating when you have to guess why. here, have an upvote. (if that upvote made you feel guilty for downvoting me, then that's an unfortunate side effect, not intentional ;-)

Love it! Hah.

I don't think that downvotes should be used to voice disagreement with a poster's substantive point. The down arrow is too cheap a shot. I'd never have allowed that on my board (when I was a teenage sysop, I mean). Disagreement should be verbalized and put into open conversation. Hell, I wouldn't be opposed to people being required to voice a reason for their downvotes around here, and letting those reasons be analyzed. It would make everyone feel better. "Pure spite" being only a funny reason in the ludicrous circle of Joseph Heller debate we find ourselves in, in this particular thread. I'm glad you saw the humor, and that's what makes us human ;)

And no, I don't feel bad at all for taking the upvote! Next time I toss out a flaming dumpster of semantic quibbling, which I'm guilty of at least once a week, I hope someone takes an extra minute to explain their downvote to me, too.

I'm just bein a pain in the ass anyway. Hope you know that. It was a barstool comment. This is why it's better to sit at a bar and joke around. Everyone gets offended in equal measure, but you know you all love each other anyway.

They are absolutely not to express disagreement? You want to hide opinions that you disagree with so other people don't see them? Christ, infantile.

don't be harsh on him, he's a vibe coder

yes.

Indeed, stupidity reigns supreme.