If the game is still all about network effect, then all things being equal, the one that grab more attention will win, the ethical one that discourage engagement will lose. You have to have something else.
In the long run, it is about delivering value to users.
Demanding it be high key is off key.
Low key works for Hacker News because it filters out people who want high key.
I know it’s not for me because I like Facebook and TikTok. Or more accurately, for me they are useful tools because of how I use them.
And the dog gets me off the screen and out in the world.
Hacker News has the audience and YC endorsement.
Do you provide values that do not depends on the network effect? Ethical is nice but it does not stand on its own. Also it requires a leap of faith.