YouTube removed the public dislike count in November 2021, citing a desire to reduce harassment and bullying towards content creators. The company argued that the dislike button was being used as a tool for coordinated attacks and negative feedback, which could be detrimental to creators' mental health and well-being.
While the removal of the dislike count was met with mixed reactions, YouTube maintained that the change was necessary to create a more positive and supportive environment for creators.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Reduced Visibility of Negative Feedback: By removing the public dislike count, YouTube aimed to diminish the impact of negative feedback on creators. The absence of a visible dislike count could potentially discourage coordinated attacks and reduce the pressure creators feel from negative reactions.
- Focus on Positive Engagement: The removal of the dislike count could encourage viewers to focus on positive engagement with content, such as liking, commenting, and subscribing. This shift in emphasis could lead to a more supportive and constructive online community.
- Data Collection: While the public dislike count is no longer visible, YouTube still collects and uses dislike data internally. This data can be used to understand viewer preferences and improve the platform's recommendation algorithms.
The removal of the dislike count remains a controversial topic, with many users and creators expressing their opinions and concerns. While the intention behind the change was to improve the platform's environment, the long-term impact on content creation and viewer engagement remains to be seen.
