Seems to be the case. It used to be based on an algorithm that would fill up rows in a way convenient to the traveller (unless you were one of the last to check in).
On a recent AGP-IBZ-AGP my wife and I were among the first to check in, yet on both flights seated 15 rows apart despite there being open seats next to both of us.
When it came time to print the boarding pass it cheekily reminds you that you're seated far apart, and suggests you might like to purchase seats..
Not exactly the "friendly" image that Ryanair is now trying to somewhat portray.