Instead of plugging into a "broad tech community", how about a more niche community around a very particular product or activity (e.g. 3D robot part design & printing) - there are bound to be interesting people with whom one can also chat about a range of other tech and non-tech topics.

I left any social media that has reposts, quote posts, or algorithmic feeds. These seem to be at the core of big socials' malaise on society.

It's been such a breath of fresh air. The thing that made the most difference is finding local communities around non-tech interests and a few friends who are also in tech but who also share other interests.

HN has been sufficient for my tech needs and does not have the endless scroll that sucks you in. I still use Discord some for specific tech projects.