When I saw my first computer and it had a painting program, I was blown away at the creative possibilities.<p>Today many people have a super computer in their pocket, but 99% do nothing creative with this power. [1]<p>TV, Radio, Books we've always seen the potential to amplify humanity early in roll-out of the technology, but eventually settle on the lowest common denominator as human behavior gravitates towards self-indulgence and entertainment.<p>We should try to curb corporate abuses, but I don't expect a shift in how the masses use technology.<p>[1] <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25_rule_(Internet_culture)" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25_rule_(Internet_culture)</a>
The general problem will always be that the lowest common denominator of users will always fall into Skinner boxes, and barring a complete change how resources are allocated services that use low level manipulation of human psychology will attract advertising dollars.
the smug, it is strong with these ones.<p>They might as well say "We are your betters and you should live how we think is best for you"<p>Maybe I <i>like</i> the YouTube feature that autostreams the next video. It's like they didn't even consider that maybe not everyone wants to live exactly their way.<p>They even go so far as "We are advising governments on smart policies and better user protections." Please save me from the Youtube autostreaming feature! Please save me from looking at my friends' selfies on Instagram.<p>Jesus Christ people.
On the plus side, Netflix is saving children from hundreds of hours of commercials a year!<p>Snapchat does add the metric of conversation streaks, but _that isnt the point_ and it's honestly not enough to keep me using it. I like snapchat cuz I like seeing people's faces or the random things that they are seeing.<p>This is a stupid initiative.