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There was a post on HN once by a former OkCupid person who, as I read it, took a more nuanced view along the lines of: the market moved to cellphones and that k
by nullc 3y ago
There was a post on HN once by a former OkCupid person who, as I read it, took a more nuanced view along the lines of: the market moved to cellphones and that kind of long form entry (or reading) isn't viable on a few-inch screen with point and grunt input.
Beyond an insider sharing the view, I find it compelling because it didn't require anyone to have been an idiot. I've certainly seen other effects that look like the widespread usage of cellphones dumbing down the internet in disappointing ways. ... and it explains why someone doesn't just recreate the magic that OkCupid had: they can't. For classic-OkCupid to exist the public needs widespread access to a communications tool suitable for sending things more nuanced than dick pics.
- dzonga 3y agoI think what also people miss - is that by OkCupid requiring long form essays. the demographic would tend to be educated college folks - quirky gals studying humanities, chemistry etc. so you literally have a crowd of people who like reading, and are critical thinkers etc & most likely to be high earners too. but like every thing - the power of the lowest common denominator rules ie endless swiping on who you think is hot. this doesn't end with apps -- with forums gone -- you can hardly find places online where civilized discourse happens. now everything is just for the 'gram. or to go viral on tiktok.