I have stayed in a lot of hostels, mostly around Europe, and this is my personal opinion and advice which may not apply to you but just in case it's helpful.

I personally recommend booking into bigger dorms eg sharing with 10 or more people rather than smaller forms, sharing with say 3 or 4 people.

Sounds weird, so why?

Well firstly it's cheaper but that's not the only reason.

Personally, I feel safer. Sounds counter intuitive but when you share with 3 or 4 others it increases the liklihood you'll be isolated on your own with 1 or 2 strangers where I actually feel more unsafe. In a big dorm you're rarely alone with just a couple individuals.

I also find it easier to just keep to myself in those situations if I wish and not feel pressure to chat etc as I might in a room with just one or 2 others. Weirdly, it actually affords more privacy.

I don't even find I get more disturbed and often the toilet ratio is better when there are more people so I actually end up less likely to have to wait for facilities.

Anyway different people may feel different but that is my personal take.