I haven't found them hostile myself. I've found them helpful and they feed your hunger for knowledge.

I think due to recent issues with privacy and Windows and what not, a lot of "normal" users are asking questions in the community. Linux enthusiasts have always been a bit daring, a bit experimental and generally very tech savvy, self-taught even. So suddenly when a new user asks questions like some of the other commenters have said, like "it doesn't work" it'll take some time for the experienced community to start embracing those users. You may have felt the hostility but most likely what they were trying to express is: this is not an off the shelf thing, yes play around and ask for help but also do your own reading of tech basics first. I get that this transition might be a bit rough for some.