My experiment living in a tent in Hong Kong's jungle

Framing: Camping vs “Homelessness”

• Large part of the thread disputes calling this “homelessness.”
• Many argue it’s closer to “bandit/stealth camping” or “homelessness tourism”: done by choice, with backups (gym showers, university power/Wi‑Fi, lockers, friends’ couches, ability to rent if needed).
• Others push back that homelessness is a spectrum (cars, couches, tents, rough sleeping) and that intent/choice doesn’t erase the fact of lacking stable housing.
• Some worry the word choice trivializes severe, involuntary homelessness (mental illness, addiction, abuse, warrants, unsafe shelters, police sweeps, encampment violence).
• Counter‑argument: over‑policing language or “gatekeeping homelessness” doesn’t help; many unhoused people technically have options but reject them for complex reasons.

Risk, ROI, and Healthcare

• Several commenters say saving ~$2k over 4.5 months is a poor risk/reward tradeoff: one injury, illness, or incident (falling rocks, crime, police, visa trouble) could dwarf the savings.
• Others note that for a young, broke student, $2k and the resulting psychological freedom can be life‑changing. Risk tolerance and context matter.
• Side discussion on “it’s expensive to be poor”: health emergencies can be catastrophic, especially in high‑cost healthcare systems; others note that in many countries ER care is relatively cheap.

Practicalities of Tenting vs Other Setups

• Debate over tents vs vehicles: tents can be hidden away from roads and people; vehicles offer more protection but attract enforcement and rely on parking rules.
• “Good” stealth camping etiquette is emphasized: low‑profile tents, pitch at dark, leave before sunrise; some fear visible long‑term camping could get HK’s tolerant wild‑camping norms tightened.
• Commenters share parallel experiences: urban hammock camping, car/van living, shipping containers, rural tent living; most describe it as transformative but not sustainable long‑term.

Social & Psychological Aspects

• Many found the “Community Support” and couch‑surfing stories the most compelling: intimate late‑night conversations, unexpected generosity, reduced loneliness.
• Several note that minimalist living and being away from a conventional room can reduce screen addiction and increase focus, especially when the library becomes the “living room.”

HN Meta: Flagging and Titles

• The submission was initially flagged, apparently due to the original “homelessness experiment” title.
• Long subthread on HN’s flagging and downvoting culture: “wrongthink” flags, lack of transparency, tension between “don’t editorialize titles” and removing provocative ones.