Ask HN: Why is the rapid growth of HN users since Dec 2022? 40k new users on Jan

3 points by daemond 3y ago ↗ HN

Noticed that the number of new users on HN has skyrocketed since December 2022. In January 2023, the number exceeded 40k, whereas before that it was only around 5000. https://hackernews-insight.vercel.app/user-analysis

2 comments

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uberman 3y ago ↗

At the beginning of every new term in school there is a flood of users so I'm sure that is some of it.

People who think/thought they could build rep using chatGPT is probably a minor thing.

Mostly though, I have come to the personal conclusion that when some people want to ask a question, they create a throwaway account to avoid being review bombed.

dang 3y ago ↗

There are biannual spikes because of people applying to YC. (We use the same account system for HN and other YC offerings.) As far as I know, that's what this is.