Infinite scroll is just a front end tool but obviously it’s associated with algorithmically generated content feeds on the majority of large social media sites. The problem of infinite scroll on those platforms is that it’s weaponized for attention harvesting. Specifically, the slot machine effect of not knowing what to expect next when you swipe down plus the lack of any obvious stopping point.
In Discourse, there’s no real malicious goal to the infinite scroll. The theme of each topic is predetermined by the title so there’s not a real slot machine effect of not knowing what to expect next. The standard browsing of a forum also introduces organic stopping points at the end of topics. It’s more of a QOL improvement compared to constantly needing to click on links to the next page.
That’s what I think at least