I don't want to dickride too much, but I feel like HN is decidedly less awful than most other discussion boards, in no small part because it has decent moderation.

I do think that sometimes they're a bit too quick to flag something purely because it can be deemed "political", but for the most part I think that HN's moderation has been ok.

> Users on HN learn what sentiment on a given topic is rewarded and repeat it in exchange for upvotes.

I don't disagree, but the biggest reward (most) people see in life is money. People have adopted the philosophy of "morals and ethics be damned, if it makes ME more money, I'm doing it."

The biggest and best role forums, such as HN, can play is to show and communicate with people that there are issues bigger than money. That even if you were to donate your entire paycheck to charity, you enabling Zuck, Bezos, Musk & co. is worse for the world.