4 ms·

slightly OT and totally non scientific (just my gut feeling), but I have a feeling that HN became more polarized and negative/combative in recent months. I thin

slightly OT and totally non scientific (just my gut feeling), but I have a feeling that HN became more polarized and negative/combative in recent months. I think I notice much more downvotes and flagging taking place than before. I wonder if this is also something that can be analyzed? (not sure HN exposes it, but in a way simpler than sentiment analysis, right?)

FreshFries 6y ago
Totally non scientific (just my gut feeling), but I have a feeling that this is because the number of non-technical submissions has increased dramatically.
HNAwayGone 6y ago
I definitely noticed this. In February-March, the whole experience became vastly more hostile and stressful. I stopped getting replies with relevant anecdotes, corrections, or follow-up information, and started getting lots of replies attacking my character and dismissing my experiences. I changed my HN account's password and logged out for good near the start of April. I still read it and occasionally make a one-off account like this to comment, but I don't see it as a community any more. In my mind, it is the new Reddit front page. But hey, dang - thanks for all the hard work and good moderation while it lasted.
- FnControlOption 6y ago
  Genuinely curious, at what point does it become worthwhile to try to create a “new HackerNews”? I myself am still figuring out how to be an adult so I don’t feel that I have much insight to give on this. I’m wondering what any remaining older HN users might think about preserving what’s left (if that makes sense).
verylittlemeat 6y ago
It's really everywhere due to the election. I lurk on a meme video forum that leans conservative and they have started deleting and clamping down on any political content. Some people really enjoy stirring up and having political debate but lots of the regulars can't stand it.

FreshFries 6y ago

Totally non scientific (just my gut feeling), but I have a feeling that this is because the number of non-technical submissions has increased dramatically.

HNAwayGone 6y ago

I definitely noticed this. In February-March, the whole experience became vastly more hostile and stressful. I stopped getting replies with relevant anecdotes, corrections, or follow-up information, and started getting lots of replies attacking my character and dismissing my experiences. I changed my HN account's password and logged out for good near the start of April. I still read it and occasionally make a one-off account like this to comment, but I don't see it as a community any more. In my mind, it is the new Reddit front page. But hey, dang - thanks for all the hard work and good moderation while it lasted.

FnControlOption 6y ago
Genuinely curious, at what point does it become worthwhile to try to create a “new HackerNews”? I myself am still figuring out how to be an adult so I don’t feel that I have much insight to give on this. I’m wondering what any remaining older HN users might think about preserving what’s left (if that makes sense).

verylittlemeat 6y ago

It's really everywhere due to the election. I lurk on a meme video forum that leans conservative and they have started deleting and clamping down on any political content. Some people really enjoy stirring up and having political debate but lots of the regulars can't stand it.