This has been going on for decades and Blizzard started using it almost exclusively with World of Warcraft. They made the game a virtual Skinner Box (look it up and read about the experiments if you’ve never heard about it, pretty much animals will prefer to do things that lmao derive pleasure from instead of necessary things, like eating), and other companies followed suit. Then loot boxes and IAPs became a thing.
Comment on Google has sent internet into ‘spiral of decline’, claims DeepMind co-founder
CosmicCleric@lemmy.world 1 year ago
He said search results had become plagued with “clickbait” to keep people “addicted and absorbed on the page as long as possible”.
It’s not just Internet searches. Video games are designed psyop-like as well now, all to drive engagement, and more profits.
At this point we need legislation so companies cannot make products that are mentally manipulative and detrimental to their customers.
They’re getting dangerously close to “drug pushers” territory.
pete_the_cat@lemmy.world 1 year ago
CosmicCleric@lemmy.world 1 year ago
This has been going on for decades
It seems like it’s a recent development in this decade, at least an accelerated form of it.
Almost like recently evolved in corporations got together and decided enmass to start treating their customers more like things to exploit.
Less win-win, and more win-lose.
pete_the_cat@lemmy.world 1 year ago
It’s absolutely gotten worse, but it’s been a thing for decades.
hiramfromthechi@lemmy.world 1 year ago
“dangerously close”?
“There are only two industries that call their customers ‘users’: illegal drugs and software.” – Edward Tufte
CosmicCleric@lemmy.world 1 year ago
lol! I had never heard of that quote before now, ty for sharing!