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| This is more subtle, and more dangerous, than we realize. |
According to former Google product manager Tristen Harris, millions of us, and notably our children and teens, are being brainwashed by forms of media that are highly addictive and potentially destructive. "We as individuals can try to use our devices more responsibly," he says, "but it's our willpower against hundreds of engineers who are paid to keep us glued to the screen."
Here are some of the examples he gives of this kind of highly sophisticated and personalized programming:
YouTube autoplays more videos to keep us from leaving.
Instagram shows new 'likes' one at a time, to keep us checking for more.
Facebook show whatever is known to keep us scrolling, based on our history of use.
Snapchat turns conversations into streaks we don't want to lose.
Our news media turns events into breaking news to keep as many of our eyeballs on the screen as possible.
The primary goal of the entire newer media industry is not to inform, or even to entertain, but to seduce us into buying products and services we and our children are generally far better off without.
It is here that our Old Order Amish and Mennonite friends who shun such technology may be far wiser than they realize. They know intuitively that not everything modern is in their best interest, and that simpler and more direct forms of communication may be best for all of us of all ages.
Harris's answer, however, is not to abandon technology but to "change the technology industry to put our best interests first".
Which sounds good, but who gets to determine what those 'best interests' are?
Meanwhile, it had better be each of us, along with others in our communities of faith.
Meanwhile, it had better be each of us, along with others in our communities of faith.
Check this link for a CBS 60-Minutes interview with Harris:
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