As far as Linux goes, it's open-source just as the fediverse is open-source, so it's a pretty reasonable outcome that it would attract more people that value that. Also, the fact that Linux is approaching computing in a way that's different from the norm of what people are used to, is bound to create enthusiasm from people who prefer that vision of computing to the corporate controlled one.
Here, as an avid Linux lover who knows how to shut up about it let me explain to you what went wrong here.
Nobody asked.
You remember how we used to make fun of vegans because they would insert it into every possible conversation as if it were some sort of badge of honor they needed to flex? Yeah. That's what Linux users are becoming. Tech vegans.
I suppose that makes sense. It just wasn't worded in a way that seemed obnoxious to me in particular. I've never used it myself (aside from dabbling with a Raspberry Pi), but I must have a higher tolerance for Linux praising than most.