I recently asked a question and was reminded about a strange behavior where people answer in comments. On Reddit the friction for giving any answer is very low

I recently asked a question and was reminded about a strange behavior where people answer in comments. On Reddit the friction for giving any answer is very low. The consequence is you have to wade through unhelpful and vitriolic comments more often they you'd wish. Dad Jokes are obligatory. Here on HN, comments are on-topic or related tangents, with the occasionally risked bon mot. This comment might even be like a question on SO, evoking--Is there even a question here? OK... Are there disincentives on SO to giving answers?