Opinion on downvoting

I expect this to be (ironically) downvoted, but regardless of that I wanted to get something off my chest.

TL;DR: Downvoting is an unhealthy way of communicating, and is only meant to demoralize the person trying to state an opinion.

I think it is kind of disgusting that any person that even attempts to discuss an unpopular opinion will immediately get shut down by downvotes.

The system of downvoting only works on the internet because it is not how real discourse works. In real life if someone states their opinion you would then state yours, not just give them the middle finger and walk away. Which is essentially what downvoting is, and only works through the anonymity of the internet.

I am NOT saying you can not disagree with someone. I am just saying you should use words and actually interact with someone. Because honestly if feels bad to be downvoted to oblivion when all you are trying to do is have a civil discussion. When someone posts on a forum it's because they want someone to reply to them. Downvoting is not replying, it's just being a dick.

I think downvoting can be used positively if you use to filter out spam posts or posts that are against the rules. But I disagree with it's use "I don't like this topic, or I disagree with you so I am just going to give you the middle finger to your face". I like upvoting, I think positive and encouraging, but even right now it is just being used to bring complaints to Riot. (Dynamic Queue and Mage Items in particular right now)

And I am not "overly-sensitive" to being downvoted, I'm not going to cry or anything. I just wish I could have a discussion with a game that I am passionate about with other people that share that passion. But that has just proven to be really, really hard and unlikely.

EDIT: If you don't think a topic is worthy of discussion, then just don't reply and let it die down. It doesn't mean the person who made it did a bad or immoral thing.