I am inferring a difference between an algorithm that is based on simple rules, and an algorithm that is constantly being dishonestly modified for commercial, political and financial benefit.

The fact that comments are prioritised by simple rules, an not by some sort of monolithic ALGORITHM, keeps the discussion dynamic.

Honestly, I think is the whole ”First Post” mindset.

When you post a reply on Mastodon, it is more intimate, the only people who see it are the original tooter and anyone who actively seeks more commentary. It is a dialogue between two people, or multiple dialogues between one person and many others.

Lemmy is more like a forum, where everyone can see all comments, right underneath the original post. It is more like an open-table discussion.

It is not that Lemmy is more social, it is just less personal.