My money is that influence campaigns are active on HN and try to mold the discourse. The whole internet is manipulated to hell, and HN is a prime target, you have a bunch of smart people that probably have oversized influence, how could you NOT try manipulating this place?

Mostly an US audience here. A deeply divided country on politics. The wording doesn't help matters either.

It's unfortunate the same division tactics the US has been facing are working elsewhere too, however.

Because it makes people uncomfortable.

It's hysteria in the addictive, viral, breathless, and self-indulgent social media flavor that permeates everything.

The excitement being blown out of proportion is hyperlocal. The system grinds on.