Its not, its a forum. The distinction is if there is an algorithm picking what you see (social media) verses everyone seeing the same thing (a forum).
The term "social media" predates the use of algorithms picking what you see, so that cannot be the definition.
Um, no...there was always an algorithm. It just used to use your "friend list" and used to have a lot less to pick from. But it was always there. I get the feeling you were 5 when this was happening.
If you're going to call that an algorithm, then the posts that HN displays is an algorithm too.
it is a forum perhaps, I don’t consider it social media although would not argue too hard with someone who does
It totally is.
What is lacking for it to be social media (IMO).
- no direct messaging (lacking social aspect)
- no media (text only)
- no phone app
- no ads
- no influencers
- no company feeding you algorithmic shit to make you buy shit
- not evil :)