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> Like how evil-overlord can this be if they can't even get this basic stuff right? Imagine living with schizophrenia in this era. It's a nightmare. You're pr

> Like how evil-overlord can this be if they can't even get this basic stuff right? Imagine living with schizophrenia in this era. It's a nightmare. You're primed to see connections (and threats), even when there is no plausible mechanism to create the connection. In earlier years you could reason yourself out of it by saying "that is not technologically possible" or "that is not cost effective". Nowadays you can end up with insane ideas like, "my forum posts are being de-anonymized via stylometry and someone is broadcasting threatening messages using language that mirrors my recent post." It's insane and unrealistic, but technologically possible. That makes it harder for a schizophrenic to dismiss. When websites adapt to your behavior, it just gets worse. A/B testing isn't just annoying, it feels threatening. That's why HN is great. Using anonymizing tools is one way to cope. It helps you avoid feeling "targeted".

lmkg 5y ago
While the trope is "relevant XKCD," sometimes SMBC is the webcomic with the on-point reference. https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/right https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/right
bilekas 5y ago
This seems quite intense and you've described it really well.. I wonder does the current online climate nurture schizophrenia a bit more than would naturally.
pjc50 5y ago
> "my forum posts are being de-anonymized via stylometry and someone is broadcasting threatening messages using language that mirrors my recent post I wouldn't be surprised if that's actually happened to someone, given how intense forum wars and stalkers can get. Especially if it's a group targeting an individual. There is however the effect that people who leap straight to extraordinary claims for which they get publicity are almost certainly wrong, while the stalking victim to which this stuff has actually happened cannot get anyone to listen.
- 053227420 5y ago
  > while the stalking victim to which this stuff has actually happened cannot get anyone to listen. Which creates a rare and dangerous situation where a high functioning schizophrenic (someone who has developed coping mechanisms, such as reality testing) will actively dismiss the warning signs of stalking. Possibly for years. As will the people in the schizophrenic's support system, people accustomed to helping them through paranoia. I have no doubt this has occurred in the past. Tech puts concentrations of neuro-atypical people in close proximity to groups of ruthless status seekers (who I suppose are more likely to participate in the group activities you mention). The long term consequences must be absolutely devastating.
- kragen 5y ago
  Oh, that's almost certainly happened, in the early 01990s. It wasn't to me, and I can't be sure that the victim wasn't faking it.

lmkg 5y ago

While the trope is "relevant XKCD," sometimes SMBC is the webcomic with the on-point reference. https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/right https://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/right

bilekas 5y ago

This seems quite intense and you've described it really well.. I wonder does the current online climate nurture schizophrenia a bit more than would naturally.

pjc50 5y ago

> "my forum posts are being de-anonymized via stylometry and someone is broadcasting threatening messages using language that mirrors my recent post I wouldn't be surprised if that's actually happened to someone, given how intense forum wars and stalkers can get. Especially if it's a group targeting an individual. There is however the effect that people who leap straight to extraordinary claims for which they get publicity are almost certainly wrong, while the stalking victim to which this stuff has actually happened cannot get anyone to listen.

053227420 5y ago
> while the stalking victim to which this stuff has actually happened cannot get anyone to listen. Which creates a rare and dangerous situation where a high functioning schizophrenic (someone who has developed coping mechanisms, such as reality testing) will actively dismiss the warning signs of stalking. Possibly for years. As will the people in the schizophrenic's support system, people accustomed to helping them through paranoia. I have no doubt this has occurred in the past. Tech puts concentrations of neuro-atypical people in close proximity to groups of ruthless status seekers (who I suppose are more likely to participate in the group activities you mention). The long term consequences must be absolutely devastating.
kragen 5y ago
Oh, that's almost certainly happened, in the early 01990s. It wasn't to me, and I can't be sure that the victim wasn't faking it.