I don't know if it is. I just know people down vote you if they disagree with you without trying to explain why you're wrong or shouldn't have said what you said.
I agree that downvoting is definitely misused. I often see the most intelligent and best technical answer to be downvoted. Votes no longer seem to represent quality or truth.
That's normal, but I'm referring to toxic behaviour like insults and extreme views.
For example, why is this comment getting down voted? Lol.