HN is NOT part of the “masses” in the sense “masses” is being used here.
replyA difference is being drawn between HN users who are interested in tech, and the everyone else. Most of humanity has little interest in Tech, and would rather spend their time on other things.
This also means they are less aware of ways to keep themselves safe, or less on top of whatever current threat is sweeping through the internet.
After multiple interactions on this site, I can say with some confidence that the average HN commenter does not have the same experience with technology that the average user does.
This divergence is resulting in different priorities and conversations.
I agree about HN being technically literate. I have non-technical friends that definitely care about privacy, their rights, maintaining a healthy economy, freedom in general. Then I have friends that don't really pay attention to that. I'm saying don't lump people into a single silly generalization.
replyEdit: I think that, given that us HNers often self-identify as tech priests, advocacy and education should follow naturally from that.