Front Page of the Internet

Reddit is a social media website that houses events, ideas and memes from all around the world. Things from the Ebola outbreak to crypto-currency to the thoughts that come to your head while taking a shower – Reddit has them all. The website is divided into subreddits: they're like subsections for different topics of interest. You get to choose which subreddits correspond to your interests and subscribe to them. Want to talk about a TV show from the '80s? There's probably a community for that show. You're into an obscure sport? Find the subreddit and join in. For the new users, there are already a number of default subreddits that you are automatically subscribed to. By any chance, if you don't find the subreddit that caters to your interest then you can create one yourself! What's best about the website is the system it runs on – all the content is driven by its users.

Anyone can post anything. When a post is made, the other users upvote or downvote the post depending on whether they like it or not. The site is a democracy at its core. People can also discuss on the post made by commenting on it. The comment system is pretty neat as well; not like forums where you need to quote a person to tell everyone that you're replying to that particular person. However, the UI of the site may look pretty outdated with only a blank white background and text slathered over it. But rest assured, despite the ugliness, the site's quite functional and after you get used to it, it grows on you.

Upvotes aka karma aka internet validation points are a big part of the Reddit culture. Absolutely nothing can be done with them. The points just show you that people like what you post (or not, depending on the number of points) and for better or worse, give you an ego boost. It's just like Facebook and 'likes', but with mean strangers instead of friends and family.

There are different rules for different subreddits and have moderators to enforce them. Some may restrict explicit content, others may encourage it. Some are only for serious conversations, while others are downright silly. If you're unable to adhere to a subreddit's rules, you might get banned from that particular one. While you can post anything, make sure the post does not contain false info of any sort, and personal info like names and addresses.

One of the features of Reddit is anonymity. You create an account by entering a username and password. Do not use your real name for the username. After that, you can tell your deepest darkest secrets and nobody will know that it's you. However, this feature is sometimes abused. Behind the veil of a username, people troll and offend others. In those cases, just downvote and move on, no need to engage in a conversation.

The default subreddits are stuff like news, videos and science. While the defaults may complete your needs and interests there are other subreddits that deserve your attention, and remember, you can always find your desired subreddit by searching for it. Here are some of the cool non-default ones:
* /r/Android – for the latest news and discussion regarding Android. Most of us use Android devices, so this one's pretty relevant.
* /r/comics – funny/thoughtful/sad comics from around the web.
* /r/coolguides – for DIY guides and tips to make life easier.
* /r/talesfromtechsupport – stories about weird laptops, oblivious PC users and generally funny IT stories.
* /r/Windows10 – because a lot of us are using it right now.

Beware of the Reddit hivemind. Reddit can act as an echo chamber – reinforcing a belief/opinion held by many, by constantly repeating it and beating down any opposing belief/opinion even if it's right. For example, in /r/Android, Chinese OEMs are looked down upon, simply because they're… well… Chinese. You'll read their discussions and start to think they're right even though they aren't. Don't fall for it, before adopting any opinion from Reddit, think about it critically.

Reddit does not have an official Android app yet, but they're working on it. However, there are numerous third-party apps to choose from. Also, do yourself a favour and add RES (Reddit Enhancement Suite) to Google Chrome's extensions list, it'll make your Reddit experience way better.

Reddit is popular all around the world – USA, UK and even India. Bangladesh is a bit behind on it but the user base is slowly growing. With time, it will keep on increasing. Just don't post Mosharraf Karim memes there; keep those for Facebook.

Shoaib Ahmed Sayam doesn't need coffee because he stays up all night anyway, doing the things he should be doing during the day. Send him John Cena memes at: facebook.com/ooribabamama