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> I recognize that this is a problem, but I don't really support the government saving us from ourselves. I think this is something that average person just nee
by II2II 7y ago
> I recognize that this is a problem, but I don't really support the government saving us from ourselves. I think this is something that average person just needs to educate themselves on and make the decision for themselves.
We like to frame this as a personal issue because the individual decides to keep checking social media outlets. On the other hand, social media outlets think of people collectively: they incorporate addictive features based upon correlations between features and desirable usage patterns. This is an incredibly powerful tool since the decisions of an individual is difficult to rely upon, yet the patterns of large collections of people can be modeled and the uncertainties in that model understood. In other words, we are placing ourselves at a serious disadvantage if we insist upon looking at the issue through the lens of the individual.
In a sense, the government has to educate the collective since there is a conflict of interest otherwise. The companies that have the most control over the information that people see are also the companies that have the largest interest in keeping people glued to their screens.
- Nasrudith 7y agoIsn't there a massive conflict of interest being ignored on the government's part? Namely that addiction seems to be the camel's nose into the tent for oversight and power on them. To be frank claiming that private interests having influence is reason for giving power to the government is like saying that chickenwire is unfair to the foxes because the farmer is exploiting the chickens. They are chosen to be our servants - not our masters - the power should be separated for a reason.
- II2II 7y agoThey are discussing regulations upon businesses, rather than laws that regulate the behavior of individuals. It is an important distinction. There is a big difference between a democratically elected government and a business. Governments must demonstrate restraint because they ultimately report to the people. Businesses typically demonstrate restraint in order to avoid regulation by the government. If you neuter government, then there are very few reasons for them to demonstrate restraint. In other words, the government is the chicken wire.