[etrvic]

Neither, that's up to your individual preference. Although I think that controversial threads have more noise, but sometimes provide a more enjoyable read.

[layer8]

So what use is it to filter them? It seems you still have to judge their worth based on their actual contents.

[jermaustin1]

The front page has an algorithm that is "less noise, more news" but if you go to the /active page, you get more conversation-driven submissions. I tend to load both up and refresh every few hours.

[amelius]

Consider there are 100 upvotes and 100 downvotes. Net votes: 0. The submission would end up with a lower ranking that you wanted it to have.