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I'm not saying it isn't a legitimate, serious issue. But the echo/amplification effect in some corners (i.e. primarily Reddit and HN) is really fascinating. K
by StevePerkins 8y ago
I'm not saying it isn't a legitimate, serious issue. But the echo/amplification effect in some corners (i.e. primarily Reddit and HN) is really fascinating. Kind of a "I feel strongly about a thing, because so many people I interact with feel strongly about the thing" sort of thing.
Of all the worthy issues out there today, I'm not sure why Reddit and HN has fixated on this particular one to the extent that they have. But I'm fairly sure that validation-reward effect helps to ratchet up the intensity. You tend to receive a lot votes, likes, etc for commenting in agreement, and I suspect that feedback loop has an impact.
Once again, not speaking in opposition here (God forbid! Pitchforks down!). It's just interesting to watch classic "flash mob" and "moral panic" cycles play out in the new medium.
- dagenix 8y agoMaybe because there is nothing stupider than having people die from from preventable diseases due to bunk science?
- secstate 8y agoAgain, pitchforks down -- devil's advocate, but why is the topic not open for any discussion at all? Isn't that what defines a religion?
- frostburg 8y agoDeprogramming people from anti-vax lies is hard, it's impossible for everyone to be an expert on the immune system and to grasp the nuances of the policy issues involved. Uninformed layman level discussion of the issue spreads lethal memes.
- alexandercrohde 8y agoAbsolutely. I usually associate the mob mentality over goofy stuff with Reddit (e.g. being mad at some video game company over microtransactions). I wish somebody could figure out how to channel that passion into the larger issues that face us today.