I don't think it has the hallmarks of social media (aggressive engagement mechanisms, etc...). We've had newsgroups for 30+ years and social media requires more than just message boards. The owner needs to push the content such that there is enough engagement to make money from advertising (or monthly fees).

Technically, yes, but at least it's not filter bubbling everyone.

there may not be an algorithm at work here as there is on Instagram or TikTok, but there's still a bubble - the name, design and discourse of HN itself works as a filter.

What you're describing is an echo chamber, when people willingly share only things that they know resonate with the group.

While still somewhat detrimental, it's at least a visible problem - everyone is aware of it because everyone sees the same thing.

With filter bubbles, you create personalized echo chambers, that nobody is aware of unless they're in there.

I honestly don't think they're that different, from a psychological point of view.

There is a "karma" score. You know yours and you've checked the scores of others.

This is social media. It's a fairly benign manifestation of it, I suppose, but it's social media nonetheless.

Something to consider while carefully crafting denigrations of what we all think is meant when discussing "social media." Especially if you'd rather not see HN and similar places damaged by righteous politicians.