On Reddit, can other people see what I upvote and downvote?

Reddit, a vast and vibrant online community, is a platform where users can share content, engage in discussions, and express their opinions through upvotes and downvotes. These voting mechanisms are central to how Reddit functions, as they help determine the visibility of posts and comments. However, many users wonder: can other people see what I upvote and downvote on Reddit? In this article, we’ll explore this question in detail and clarify how Reddit handles the privacy of your voting history.

Understanding Reddit’s Voting System

Before diving into privacy concerns, it’s important to understand how Reddit’s voting system works. On Reddit, users can upvote content they like or find valuable, which increases its visibility. Conversely, they can downvote content they dislike or find irrelevant, reducing its prominence. The total score of a post or comment is the difference between the number of upvotes and downvotes it has received.

These votes play a crucial role in shaping the content that appears at the top of subreddits (communities within Reddit) and users’ feeds. Popular posts with many upvotes rise to the top, while those with more downvotes sink lower, making it less likely for others to see them.

Can Others See What You Upvote or Downvote?

The short answer is no—other Reddit users cannot see what you specifically upvote or downvote. Reddit is designed to keep your voting behavior private. Here’s how Reddit ensures your privacy:

1. Voting Story is Private: Your upvotes and downvotes are not visible to other users. Reddit does not display a list of what you’ve upvoted or downvoted to anyone else, including your friends or followers. Only you can see your voting activity, and it is kept completely private.
2. Public Profile Activity: While your voting history is private, some activities on Reddit are public. For example, if you comment on a post or submit a new post yourself, these actions are visible to others who visit your profile. However, these activities are separate from your voting history.
3. Anonymous Voting: The voting process on Reddit is anonymous. When you upvote or downvote something, your username is not associated with that vote in any way visible to other users. This anonymity allows you to express your opinions freely without worrying about being judged or targeted by others for your choices.

Exceptions to Consider

While your voting history is generally private, there are a few scenarios where users might infer your voting preferences indirectly:

1. Karma: Reddit awards users karma points based on the upvotes and downvotes they receive on their posts and comments. If you frequently contribute to a subreddit and consistently upvote or downvote similar content, others may notice trends in your karma score, which could hint at your voting preferences. However, this is not a direct revelation of your voting history.
2. Moderator Tools: Subreddit moderators have access to certain tools that help them manage their communities. However, these tools do not allow moderators to see individual users’ upvotes or downvotes history. Moderators can only see aggregated data, such as the overall vote count on a post or comment, to help them enforce subreddit rules.
3. Third-Party Apps and Extensions: Be cautious when using third-party Reddit apps or browser extensions, as they may request access to your account data, including your voting history. Always check the permissions of any third-party service before granting access to your Reddit account to ensure your privacy remains intact.

How to Manage Your Reddit Privacy

If you’re concerned about privacy on Reddit, here are some tips to help you manage your account settings:

1. Use Anonymous Browsing: Reddit offers an anonymous browsing mode that allows you to explore the platform without your activities being tied to your account. This can be useful if you want to participate in certain communities without leaving a trace.
2. Adjust Profile Visibility: You can adjust your profile visibility settings to control who can see your posts, comments, and overall activity. While this doesn’t affect your voting history, it can help you manage your public presence on Reddit.
3. Review Third-Party Permissions: Regularly review the permissions you’ve granted to third-party apps and extensions connected to your Reddit account. Revoke access to any services that you no longer use or trust.
4. Stay Informed: Reddit occasionally updates its privacy policies and features. Stay informed about these changes by reviewing Reddit’s official announcements and help documentation to ensure you’re aware of how your data is being handled.

In conclusion, Reddit takes the privacy of your voting history seriously. Other users cannot see what you upvote or downvote, and your voting activity remains anonymous and private. This allows you to engage with the Reddit community freely and without concern for others knowing your preferences. By taking additional steps to manage your account settings and being mindful of third-party apps, you can further enhance your privacy on the platform.

Whether you’re a casual Redditor or an active participant in multiple subreddits, understanding these privacy features can help you enjoy a more secure and personalized experience on Reddit.

Photo by Brett Jordan