But I can’t follow them. I don’t get notifications when they post new links or comments, I can’t send them specifically my links and comments. I have no groups or circles.
HN is more of a discussion forum and not for connecting with others.
Nobody is "connecting" on social media anymore, they are just liking and commenting on whatever random thing the algo throws at them.
You and I are the doing same thing, commenting on posts made by strangers.