[thefool]

I disagree, I think there are plenty of social groups where this type of media isn't looked down upon at all. Same with shooters... ect.

If your goal is to chase immediate gratification (as many a person seems to do), you'll be better served by metrics that reflect this aspect of things, instead of deciding to spend time doing something you think will be immediately gratifying, and getting something else in return.

Good for society? Decidedly no.

Unavoidable because it better serves demand, I think probably.

At the same time... I think if these sorts of metrics become ubiquitous, people will become more acutely aware of the distinctions between quality and gratification value... so I don't think these things are only a symptom.