[codingdave]

No, there are no features on HN that help us network, and I rarely, if ever, even look at what user posted a story or comment, so at least for me it is not social.

Just because it is user-generated content does not make it a "social network"

[endisneigh]

That’s exactly what it means. You can favorite posts, comments, upvote and downvote. It’s not algorithmic but it’s still a social network.

[vaylian]

What is your definition of a social network? In my view a social network requires that you actually represent social connections on the platform. Afaik there is no way for me to establish such a social connection with you on HN.

[justapassenger]

Explicit social connections are dying trend on social network, as weird as it sounds.

TikTok, Twitter's "For you", Reels - all of them are considered to be social networks, and they depend on algorithmic feeds recommending content to you.

[vaylian]

Interesting point. Then I think we should acknowledge that former social networks are morphing into something that should no longer be called a social network?

[skinnymuch]

Don’t all these platforms have a way to DM people? Or does tiktok not have that?