It seems like any platform that features link aggregation is soon overrun by bots and self-promoters trying to drive traffic, and pages and pages of link posts versus pages and pages of people talking.
Are there any lemmy instances or other defederated networks that focus on Q&A, niche communities, and people conversing, instead?
Some forums are still reasonably active. I use Whirlpool fairly regularly. Mostly tech related, but has lots of other sections too.
https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/
If you search around you can find others.
The GameFAQs boards are still quite active as well, as long as you’re willing to put up with neckbeards and bronies.