Asking something like this can also be a filter. If someone reacts in mild frustration to such a minor interaction at a networking event (or at least, while actively trying to network), it's a red flag.

Long-term fixation, colloquially referred to as "obsession", is fairly common to various forms of neurodivergance, and neurodivergance is fairly common for engineering-adjacent folks. Since that forms a likely large cross section of the HN crowd, the suggested icebreaker is probably relevant to many of us, whether we are ourselves neurodivergant or otherwise frequently interact with those who are. I also dislike the "passion" question, but obsessions change frequently enough and are exciting to the person asked. It's just different enough to liven up the conversation if you're asking the right person.

> Where does the conversation go from there?

I dunno, maybe try asking a neurodivergant person sometime? I certainly would rather be asked about my obsessions than my passions, as my passions are all too often left to rot for one reason or another, which just makes me sad and want to leave.

If I were genuinely being receptive I would flip it around. "Looking for new interests, what's got you attention lately?"

Honestly, probably nowhere and a shortened conversation, then I go find someone else to chat with.

"I'm obsessed with not obsessing right now hah! On an obsession sabbatical. But I'd probably like to obsessed about..."

Hustle culture...