Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by quotemstr on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @05:45AM
(#17714391)
How can you distinguish "addictiveness" from people just liking the product? The default assumption should be that people are in control of their own actions.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by josephg on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @08:01AM
(#17715131)
One hint to help differentiate addiction and enjoyment is to ask about enjoyment. Research shows that addicts tend to enjoy the focus of their addiction a bit less than regular folk.
For example, if I’m honest with myself, I don’t enjoy checking my email. But I still compulsively check it dozens of times a day. I think it’s fair to say that I’m an addict.
Do you enjoy checking Facebook? Ask your friends. I know what mine said.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by tonyedgecombe on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @06:34AM
(#17714655)
Why would you assume that, all the research shows we spend most of our time on auto pilot.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by quotemstr on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @07:05AM
(#17714817)
I assume my fellow humans are sentient creatures with volition and judgement. Do you?
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by walterbell on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @07:31AM
(#17714954)
Especially those profiting from
their fellow humans.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by tonyedgecombe on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @10:52AM
(#17716418)
No, if you want evidence then just look at the numbers of obese people in the population. People don't make rational decisions, this isn't some moral failing, it's just the way we are.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by quotemstr on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @02:37PM
(#17718266)
And in this analogy, those arguing against algorithmic ranking would forbid optimizing food for taste. I don't want to live in that world.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by stef25 on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @07:42AM
(#17715006)
No such thing as free will though
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by Kiro on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @03:14AM
(#17713800)
Addictiveness isn't inherently a bad thing though. I'm addicted to working out.
Re:Snap’s Drop in Active Users Could Signal a Social Media Peak
by function_seven on Wednesday August 08, 2018 @04:11AM
(#17714021)
It by definition is a bad thing. I suspect you’re using the term as slang. Like, you enjoy working out, you do it regularly, and you don’t feel right when you’ve gone too long without a bit of exercise.
That’s not addiction, that’s a healthy habit. If you were truly addicted to working out, you’d be late for work because you wanted that last mile. Or miss your kids birthday party to hang out at the CrossFit gym. It would consume your time and attention to the detriment of other needs and the needs of others.
That’s the spirit the parent comment is using the term in. As something that demands more of your attention than it deserves.
I was listening to the Next Billion Seconds podcast the other day. They made the point that in social media 'engagement' is a polite euphemism for 'addictiveness'.
I've rephrased your post to show why I find it unsettling:
> Algorithmic ranking is not evil. A tiny minority of people rail against algorithmic ranking, but the vast majority find the algorithmic model to be more addictive. Should we let a tiny vocal minority dictate policy, data be damned?