Post #3762745

2026-07-12 13:54 UTC

Frustrating part of this article: the subject makes astounding claims about their use of, and the capabilities of, LLMs, and the claims *are never questioned*. The journalist says their "jaw dropped", whereas their skepticism should have been roused. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/jul/12/mark-lanier-the-lawyer-who-took-on-meta-and-google-and-won-interview

Replies (1)

@8r3n7@mstdn.ca 2026-07-12 14:22

Big tech are hardly the only companies seeking to make their products "addictive". Higher profits requires selling ideal products: ones that customers believe that they can't live without; can consume with virtually no limit; and which only you can provide. The best are "self-actualization" products, aka "lifestyle" products, which customers tie directly to their self-image, self-esteem, and social connection and status. How can this dynamic not lead to the development and sale of "addictive" products? Ideally, we would all be wiser. Companies are not our friends, regardless of marketing or self-serving PR. We should understand the psychology of persuasion, so we (or our children) don't become unwitting victims. We should skeptically assess every product, especially those sold by powerful companies. We should assume products are designed to exploit our blind spots and weaknesses to make us dependent. And regulate those with no other real benefit. Do we want to live in a world of abusive parasites?

Open ##3763295