I usually look to each new stacker profile, what they start posting, what they say, what they comment  etc.
For a while I monitor them and take notes, making their "profiles" to know with "who" am I talking.

You weren't just a passenger from the beginning you start putting interesting questions here. So I knew you are gathering info to know better this community. And I wait always to see your next post. Good posts!

DarthCoin

I generally felt less interaction; maybe people assumed I was just a "passenger" without any contributions 😂

You could also do an experiment: try commenting or even posting with or without the cowboy hat.

Natalia

The Art of Using Stacker News ⚡️

This is really helpful.  I'm curious if you'd say more about what you noticed when you hid your cowboy hat?  I haven't really noticed anything about having it or not having it, but maybe I haven't been paying the right attention or doing the right things.