Whenever I open the comments section in a place like HN, it is always bombarded with people finding minute details to criticize what someone wrote. It is nigh impossible to find individuals who manage to balance re-emphasizing some of the great points that an author spent hours/days writing coupled with maybe a few extra notes of their own or constructive criticism.

I have a few opinions on the subject which ranges from people being treated like that at work and finding a channel to 'pay back', not being able to put themselves in the other's shoes, feeling like everything is trying to sway them so they need to keep their guard up, feeling small in relation to the author and using comments to try to fill the gap.

Now fellow HNers, please tell me from your perspective, why do you think you have the tendency to criticize everything you read? Why do you think that is the best approach? Do talk to family members and colleagues the same way you talk on HN? How would you change your and other people's approach to create a growth minded environment?