I don't understand your logic, it seems like victim blaming. Using the internet and pointing out that targeted advertising has a negative effect on society is not "having it both ways".
Also, HN is by definition algorithmic content and social media, in your mind what do you think it is?
Rituals and beliefs are not the same as "worship with religious conviction".
I ritually shower every day and I have beliefs like, when water comes out of the faucet it will fall to the floor because of gravity. That is wildly different than worshipping the water or the shower.
I suspect you have a very strange definition of the word worship.
Also, HN is by definition algorithmic content and social media, in your mind what do you think it is?