4 ms·

I wonder if a career in software engineering is the difference between a functional computer addict and nonfuctional addict. It really gives a new perspective t

I wonder if a career in software engineering is the difference between a functional computer addict and nonfuctional addict. It really gives a new perspective to the concept of developers jamming out in a hackathon for 24+ hours while sleeping under desks and trying to stay in a flow stats as long as possible

friendlybus 7y ago
Can't help but agree. The health effects of computers are not really understood. We've been rushing to harness their power to great effect, but what is the cost of having a computer? I know some people in therapeutic sphere are terrified of technology, saying it replaces people. You only need to dip into some Baudrillard or philosophy in general to see arguments about the impact of computer use, and they basically mirror real life. I don't know how much of that is the deep dark truth, but there needs to be some separation between the harnessing of computing power for political, social & economic progress and living a normal life.
thefounder 7y ago
The main issue with games addiction is that at the end of the day/night/week you are poorer both socially and financially. The financial aspect is quite important and often makes the difference between a "devoted" worker/workaholic and a "junkie".
benj111 7y ago
Is there much difference between doing that and doing an ultra marathon or whatever? I suppose the marathon is 'healthier', but it's the same basic drivers, pushed to a somewhat unhealthy degree.
chongli 7y ago
It’s actually that. I would even go so far as to say “functional addict” is a bit of an oxymoron. People compulsively repeat all kinds of different behaviours. Some of those have a lot of people willing to pay you (programming), others less so (gaming), and some none at all (intravenous drugs).

4 ms·

I wonder if a career in software engineering is the difference between a functional computer addict and nonfuctional addict. It really gives a new perspective t

by tomatotomato37 7y ago

friendlybus 7y ago
Can't help but agree. The health effects of computers are not really understood. We've been rushing to harness their power to great effect, but what is the cost of having a computer? I know some people in therapeutic sphere are terrified of technology, saying it replaces people. You only need to dip into some Baudrillard or philosophy in general to see arguments about the impact of computer use, and they basically mirror real life. I don't know how much of that is the deep dark truth, but there needs to be some separation between the harnessing of computing power for political, social & economic progress and living a normal life.
thefounder 7y ago
The main issue with games addiction is that at the end of the day/night/week you are poorer both socially and financially. The financial aspect is quite important and often makes the difference between a "devoted" worker/workaholic and a "junkie".
benj111 7y ago
Is there much difference between doing that and doing an ultra marathon or whatever? I suppose the marathon is 'healthier', but it's the same basic drivers, pushed to a somewhat unhealthy degree.
chongli 7y ago
It’s actually that. I would even go so far as to say “functional addict” is a bit of an oxymoron. People compulsively repeat all kinds of different behaviours. Some of those have a lot of people willing to pay you (programming), others less so (gaming), and some none at all (intravenous drugs).