[causal]

I wonder how much of the difference is just because HN doesn't allow you to post / display images inline like Reddit does, forcing users to engage with the content (written or video) rather than just reflexively upvote low-effort content.

[pwdisswordfishz]

> display images inline like Reddit does

That's a relatively new development. The cultural aspects that you're describing were already in place (entrenched) well before Reddit integrated that feature.

[matheusmoreira]

It's because of the people who come here. You might post about a project and discover that the person who made the thing is replying to you.

[causal]

I think that is the bigger difference, I agree, but I think the format and media involved still have an effect on the type of discussion that takes place