The balkanization of social media networks along political and cultural lines is a net negative for humanity and quality of discourse. It will only contribute to the acceleration of polarization.
Why communities forks are bad? Less debate?
Yes, homogeneous thinking leads to echo chambers and polarization of views.
Some bitcoiners are balkanization fans. They dream about a Europe with 4285 states.
What other networks have people gone to?
Honestly, I think social media in general is the reason for the acceleration of polarization. People don't talk to each other in person anymore. This leads to people forming opinions about the world based on their online interactions, where people are more hostile. And that leads people to be more xenophobic. I think if people spent more time talking to their neighbours than they did on social media, we'd be less divided.