diff --git a/resolvers/reaction.py b/resolvers/reaction.py
index 79bfabbe..8ce69407 100644
--- a/resolvers/reaction.py
+++ b/resolvers/reaction.py
@@ -384,8 +384,13 @@ async def load_reactions_by(_, info, by, limit=50, offset=0):
     q = q.group_by(Reaction.id, Author.id, Shout.id, aliased_reaction.created_at)
 
     # order by
-    order_way = asc if by.get("sort", "").startswith("-") else desc
-    order_field = by.get("sort", "").replace("-", "") or "created_at"
+    order_way = asc
+    order_field = by.get("sort", "").replace("-", "")
+    if by.get("sort", "").startswith("-"):
+       order_way = desc
+    if not order_field:
+        order_field = "created_at"
+        order_way = desc
     q = q.order_by(order_way(order_field))
 
     # pagination