The inline reactions are totally different in that they de-anonymize your feedback. It’s both rational and emotionally instinctive to not want someone irritated at you specifically because you disagree with them. In comments you can at least try to be extra nice and appreciative when you express disagreement to offset that downside. But that’s a lot more work than clicking a button. I think that’s sometimes why the anonymous big downvote is used. It takes real thought and discipline to reserve it for fair, rational “the discussion would be much better if you hadn’t written this” responses. And I’m not sure how many people even try to do that.
The inline reactions are totally different in that they de-anonymize your feedback. It’s both rational and emotionally instinctive to not want someone irritated at you specifically because you disagree with them. In comments you can at least try to be extra nice and appreciative when you express disagreement to offset that downside. But that’s a lot more work than clicking a button. I think that’s sometimes why the anonymous big downvote is used. It takes real thought and discipline to reserve it for fair, rational “the discussion would be much better if you hadn’t written this” responses. And I’m not sure how many people even try to do that.