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0 pointsethbr15mo ago0 comments

> Endless scrolling is a big indicator that you're a consumer not a customer.

Someone recently highlighted the shift from social networks to social media in a way I'd never thought about:

>> The shift from social networks to social media was subtle, and insidious. Social networks, systems where you talk to your friends, are okay (probably). Social media, where you consume content selected by an algorithm, is not. (immibis https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45403867)

Specifically, in the same way that insufficient supply of mortgage securities (there's a finite number of mortgages) led to synthetic CDOs [0] in order to artificially boost supply of something there was a market for.

Social media and 24/7 news (read: shoving content from strangers into your eyeballs) are the synthetic CDOs of content, with about the same underlying utility.

There is in fact a finite amount of individually useful content per unit of time.

[0] If you want the Michael Lewis-esque primer on CDOs https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A25EUhZGBws

0 comments

captainkrtek5mo ago

> Social media and 24/7 news (read: shoving content from strangers into your eyeballs) is the synthetic CDO of content, with about the same underlying utility.

This is a great way to put it. Much of the social media content is a derivative/synthetic representation of actual engagement. Content creators and influencers can make us "feel" like we have a connection to them (eg: "get ready with me!" type videos), but it's not the same as genuine connection or communication with people.

Loughla5mo ago

Parasocial relationships have always been a thing. People felt like they 'knew' celebrities and would commit weird acts of stalking or violence when that worldview was shattered.

but now it's ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE and almost completely socially acceptable. In fact, people look at you weird if you don't have a favorite youtuber or what-have-you.

It's not healthy. Not healthy one bit. Whereas it used to be for 'others' (meaning rich and famous people who lived lives we could never hope for), parasocial relationships tend to be focused on people who are 'just like us' now. There's probably something in there to be studied.

sph5mo ago

CDO = collateralized debt obligation.

Please expand obscure acronyms, not everyone lives in your niche.

ethbr1OP5mo ago

There's literally a link to an explanation.

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