Hacker News Reader

They are using the colloquial expression of not finding it appealing.

> They are using the colloquial expression of not finding it appealing.

Correct.

Also isn’t a forum an earlier version of social media anyway? It was social and it had media, where is the line?

Line is how much you focus on ad optimization.

Forums are built to support and foster discussion. Social media is built to feed dopamine addiction and sell ads. Forums have features to make long-term content and prolonged, thoughtful debate easy. Social network praise short-term satisfaction, emotional (over)reaction over thoughtful consideration, and actively discourage any attempt at organizing and preserving information.

..understood (the appeal) of social media....

That it's dumbed down and watered down explains the appeal.