> So your position is that opinions (from all parts of the political spectrum, depending on topic) get routinely supressed via the flagging system, making HN a "non-functional social space"?
Pretty much. Hacker News is half sockpuppets/throwaways, and half internet handles who smile in your face while holding a knife behind their back, ready to stab you in the darkness.
That's not an environment suitable for conducive connections with other human beings, though it's a mighty fine way to drive engagement by turning any slightly controversial thread into a voting/flagging war zone.
You want my advice, find communities with real people in them, places where people are more than an internet handle. Find communities with accountable moderation. Get to know people, learn about their life outside of whatever the topic of the day is. Heck, even meet them IRL. Touch grass.
Pretty much. Hacker News is half sockpuppets/throwaways, and half internet handles who smile in your face while holding a knife behind their back, ready to stab you in the darkness.
That's not an environment suitable for conducive connections with other human beings, though it's a mighty fine way to drive engagement by turning any slightly controversial thread into a voting/flagging war zone.
You want my advice, find communities with real people in them, places where people are more than an internet handle. Find communities with accountable moderation. Get to know people, learn about their life outside of whatever the topic of the day is. Heck, even meet them IRL. Touch grass.