They simply upvote the same people again and again in an automated way.

True, @jaki01. And if you look at many posts that get these autovotes, the number of comments are low.

I paused my autovotes because I wasn't going in to comment. I like searching around for newbs or authors I've never found using tags or clicking over from comments. Rewards for upvoting newb or plankton/redfish posts are nil because they often get no other votes, but I feel good encouraging these authors to keep publishing.

When many more seasoned Steemians speak of engagement, they mean, as you said, upvoting and maybe commenting on a small circle of Steemian friends they've made and feel familiar with.

I may never reach anywhere on this platform but I like to meet and greet new Steemians every comment round I make.

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