By now you’ve probably seen or heard that YouTube removed the ability for users to see the total amount of dislikes on a video. Currently, users are only able to see how many people liked a video. If you take a few minutes to listen to what people are saying about this change, it is clear that most users liked the dislike button showing the total number. But once again, we see Web2 platforms conforming to protect the feelings of a few vocal users and silencing critics.

The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions

While YouTube executives might feel that removing the dislike button totals is a helpful move, here at Solcial we see it as a step away from user empowerment. It even seems like one of the original YouTube co-founders agrees, and thinks that this change is a “stupid idea”. We believe users should be given more ways to express their voice and find utility in the dislike button as a way to verify the quality of content. The total amount of dislikes gave users a sense of if a video was potentially false or required some extra thought to determine the value it gave. But now all we have is the comments to help give context to users.

This has negatively altered the user experience and made some YouTube videos have less credibility with viewers.

Changes like this are fundamental in showing the negative direction Web2 platforms are heading in. We’re seeing increased censoring of critical opinions with the change in the dislike button being just one example. We believe social media platforms need more discussion, less censoring, and an increased ability for users to provide feedback on content.

Creators are Especially Hurt by the Change

We understand for creators that having someone dislike your content can hurt. No one wants to be told that their work is subpar. But receiving feedback is valuable, especially on the internet where people can post almost anything they want, whether it is true or completely false. The dislike button has served an important purpose in helping creators hear from their audiences and correct potential mistakes.

How Solcial Will Use the Dislike Button to Promote Conversation

On Solcial we are looking to use the dislike (downvote) button to give users an enhanced voice. We can’t wait for you to see how you can give feedback to creators by using upvotes and downvotes. Solcial is focused on giving the power to the individual. We’re not looking to protect people from criticism, but instead, provide a healthy environment where important discussions can be held. This is the way social media should be and by allowing all voices to be heard, we hope to heal the divide found on our current social media feeds.

Make sure to keep yourself updated on news coming up about our launch. We know there’s a lot of excitement with Web3 and we hope to give you the power of a decentralized platform with the ease of Web2. Let’s build the future together.

About Solcial

Solcial is a decentralised social network that gives users the power of web3 by allowing people to interact with each other without fearing censorship, and allowing content creators to be rewarded fairly at market value.

Get in Touch

Telegram: https://t.me/solcial
Discord: https://discord.gg/solcial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/solcialofficial
Blog: http://blog.solcial.io/
Website: https://solcial.io
Email: [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/solcial