Yea maybe our definitions are just different, because I wouldn't call HN a social media site. It's a content aggregator to me, with some social features, like Reddit or Slashdot.

Look at Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, I believe there is a desire for a less algorithmic approach on those sites, hence all the uproar about the algorithms and shadow banning. Reverse chronological ordering from people you follow was the standard before, and a feature before revenue mattered as much. You curated your own feed by following people, not by a black box