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Well, first, their explanation for why "user" might be problematic has nothing to do with that pejorative use. It's > While often associated with one who uses

Well, first, their explanation for why "user" might be problematic has nothing to do with that pejorative use. It's > While often associated with one who uses (software, systems, services), it can also negatively be associated with those who suffer from substance abuse issues or those who exploit others for their own gain. which seems to bizarrely ignore the fact that common words have many different meanings that are distinguished by context. Second, I would actually argue that the techie pejorative usage of "user" is a good example of the shortcomings of this "words to watch out for" approach. "User" has an extremely common neutral meaning, and also some people who design or operate systems use it contemptuously - without even really changing what it means, just with the implication that most users aren't very smart! The problem there is not with the word at all, it's the attitude with which it's used.

basch 4y ago
I know this crowd leans anti censorship and anti pc, but all I'm saying is that I appreciate being made to think by opposing viewpoints, hence I find value in lists like this. I personally have made effort to not use the word user. I decided I don't like it. For me. I'm not lecturing other people not to use it. In my experience, user has become a fill in word, when better words exist. And its pejorative use is, in my opinion, closer to the substance abuse meaning than it appears at first glance. Both basically describe someone who uses and takes advantage of something, without either mastery or self control. "Passive use" if you will. When I think of it in that context, I dont like the word.
- Xelynega 4y ago
  Well yea, but this is an "opposing viewpoints that makes you think" in the same way asking an 8 year old their opinion on geopolitics is "an opposing viewpoints that makes you think". I think your attitude around the word "user" is putting the cart before the horse, which is what the user above was getting at. The problem isn't that we use language that infantilizes users, the problem is that infantilizing users is how you get the largest market share. Google isn't going to shift their design philosophy away from "ease-of-use" because of language use, the language use would shift with the design philosophy.

basch 4y ago

I know this crowd leans anti censorship and anti pc, but all I'm saying is that I appreciate being made to think by opposing viewpoints, hence I find value in lists like this. I personally have made effort to not use the word user. I decided I don't like it. For me. I'm not lecturing other people not to use it. In my experience, user has become a fill in word, when better words exist. And its pejorative use is, in my opinion, closer to the substance abuse meaning than it appears at first glance. Both basically describe someone who uses and takes advantage of something, without either mastery or self control. "Passive use" if you will. When I think of it in that context, I dont like the word.

Xelynega 4y ago
Well yea, but this is an "opposing viewpoints that makes you think" in the same way asking an 8 year old their opinion on geopolitics is "an opposing viewpoints that makes you think". I think your attitude around the word "user" is putting the cart before the horse, which is what the user above was getting at. The problem isn't that we use language that infantilizes users, the problem is that infantilizing users is how you get the largest market share. Google isn't going to shift their design philosophy away from "ease-of-use" because of language use, the language use would shift with the design philosophy.