>>16794348 (OP)I think both explanations can be true at once.
There's a pattern that shows up in a lot of online communities. When a community is small, people are mostly talking to each other. Humor emerges from personalities, shared context, and unexpected observations. As the community grows and certain styles of posts get rewarded with attention, people start posting for the audience rather than for the conversation.
That changes incentives:
Instead of saying something because it's interesting, people say it because it sounds quotable.
Instead of making a joke that fits the moment, they reach for a joke format that has worked before.
Instead of expressing a real opinion, they exaggerate it because extreme takes get more engagement.
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