It's imitation, I think. Influencers traveling for clout isn't exactly new, and they got it from existing conventions on social media. So now everybody feels compelled to do the same, or they'll have something to explain.
I doubt bots, the linked page is really boring to read and looks like a dashboard instead of easily consumed reading. I think people are therefore drawing conclusions from the headline more than usual since the link makes the real information sort of opaque.
However it's ignorant to think that there aren't bots on HN and especially for the very many motives people have for swaying public opinion.
reply