Actually it’s unlocking while your eyes are closed, it just re-locks really quickly the moment it senses that you are opening your eyes.
I've been here 10 years and it hasn't become like Reddit yet. Every person saying that HN will become like Reddit has been wrong so far.
I’ve personally feel/seen some erosion but it’s hard to quantify and measure.
On HN jokes do get up voted - if they're original, related to the topic and actually funny.