A bit too often taking part in discussions on Reddit was just mentally draining. Initially the topic looks so promising and I would love to discuss it. But too often people were not interested in sharing ideas beyond their own opinion, and many people were obsessed with “winning” the discussion.
Trying so discuss the finer points back and forth in a satisfying way was a rare occasion. Even In not so big subreddits you would think were filled with like minded people this was difficult. and comments were trying to end the discussion instead of coming with an idea and trying to further it.
How can we all promote good discussion on this site or the wider fediverse?
There was certainly a profit motive. That’s a reason for the kinds of bots that would repost popular posts in an attempt to build up karma.
There was also just good old fashioned psychological addiction to having a bigger number tied to an account. Over the years I’ve seen plenty of huffs about account or post karma by real people who were really riled up.
I mean, if those points could buy marshmallows or something, that’s worth gloating. Otherwise, it’s an odd pursuit and use of time. I suppose it could be a form of primal resource hoarding, in a way.