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Didn't add much to the discussion, unfortunately. The post is just material copied from Hooked (which is a creepy book worth reading!), plus observations that

Didn't add much to the discussion, unfortunately. The post is just material copied from Hooked (which is a creepy book worth reading!), plus observations that have already been made (social media causes us to compare ourselves to everyone else's highlight reel), followed by a bunch of generic, currently popular fads/lifestyle advice (keto diet, exercise, meditate, stoicism). A far simpler solution is available to all of us: stop using Instagram.

bluntfang 9y ago
>A far simpler solution is available to all of us: stop using Instagram. Easier said than done, no? That's basically saying "opt out of modern society," which I personally agree with, but it's not a reasonable solution. These companies that spend b/millions on psychological research to condition consumers is not going away anytime soon.
- wambotron 9y ago
  In what way is instagram "modern society?" You can stop using it, you won't even notice.
  - bluntfang 9y ago
    >You can stop using it, you won't even notice. You're deliberately ignoring the idea of addiction, consumerism, and conditioning to feel superior because you think you can "quit" being influenced by our culture and society.
    - cirgue 9y ago
      You can't quit being influenced entirely, but it is still mostly up to you.
- zzalpha 9y ago
  > That's basically saying "opt out of modern society," Hahahaha... oh man... at what point did a photo sharing social media website become "modern society"? > These companies that spend b/millions on psychological research to condition consumers is not going away anytime soon. Look, if you're already considering drastic measures like fundamentally altering your diet, your exercise regime, or the very way you perceive the world and interact with people, I think it reasonable to suggest smaller, more achievable changes like opting out of the very things that are making you unhappy. Simply removing the apps from your phone, which will take you mere seconds, would go a long long way by limiting exposure. Disabling or deleting your account entirely takes only seconds more, if you're willing to take the leap. This isn't like trying to kick a crack habit. You have a choice.
- opportune 9y ago
  Almost all males I know are not on instagram, and I'm in my early twenties. It's not like Facebook in that you might "miss out" on things like invitations to events or participation in groups. It's just a photo sharing website. Calling it "modern society" is just ridiculous hyperbole
  - ashark 9y ago
    None of the males in my circle of friends (spanning mid 20s to mid 30s) who aren't single are on social media at all. The two single ones are only on social media because that's where they coordinate dates/hookups. Events and get-togethers are organized ad hoc over text or instant messaging (Whatsapp). I don't even know what possible use I'd have for Instagram or Facebook.
- goatlover 9y ago
  Pretty sure you'll still have access to the rest of modern society if quit a social media site. It's not like your phone will become disabled, or the lights will go out.

bluntfang 9y ago

>A far simpler solution is available to all of us: stop using Instagram. Easier said than done, no? That's basically saying "opt out of modern society," which I personally agree with, but it's not a reasonable solution. These companies that spend b/millions on psychological research to condition consumers is not going away anytime soon.

wambotron 9y ago
In what way is instagram "modern society?" You can stop using it, you won't even notice.
- bluntfang 9y ago
  >You can stop using it, you won't even notice. You're deliberately ignoring the idea of addiction, consumerism, and conditioning to feel superior because you think you can "quit" being influenced by our culture and society.
  - cirgue 9y ago
    You can't quit being influenced entirely, but it is still mostly up to you.
zzalpha 9y ago
> That's basically saying "opt out of modern society," Hahahaha... oh man... at what point did a photo sharing social media website become "modern society"? > These companies that spend b/millions on psychological research to condition consumers is not going away anytime soon. Look, if you're already considering drastic measures like fundamentally altering your diet, your exercise regime, or the very way you perceive the world and interact with people, I think it reasonable to suggest smaller, more achievable changes like opting out of the very things that are making you unhappy. Simply removing the apps from your phone, which will take you mere seconds, would go a long long way by limiting exposure. Disabling or deleting your account entirely takes only seconds more, if you're willing to take the leap. This isn't like trying to kick a crack habit. You have a choice.
opportune 9y ago
Almost all males I know are not on instagram, and I'm in my early twenties. It's not like Facebook in that you might "miss out" on things like invitations to events or participation in groups. It's just a photo sharing website. Calling it "modern society" is just ridiculous hyperbole
- ashark 9y ago
  None of the males in my circle of friends (spanning mid 20s to mid 30s) who aren't single are on social media at all. The two single ones are only on social media because that's where they coordinate dates/hookups. Events and get-togethers are organized ad hoc over text or instant messaging (Whatsapp). I don't even know what possible use I'd have for Instagram or Facebook.
goatlover 9y ago
Pretty sure you'll still have access to the rest of modern society if quit a social media site. It's not like your phone will become disabled, or the lights will go out.