[maxaw]

I didn’t mention time? From Cambridge dictionary: ‘addiction: an inability to stop doing or using something, especially something harmful.’ I am in support of regulating things which are harmful and which people have trouble not doing

[twoodfin]

Like potato chips?

[fc417fc802]

If a specially designed endless bag of such were aggressively marketed and chemicals to induce appetite added to them then sure.

[twoodfin]

None of those attributes are necessary beyond those of an ordinary bag of Lays to meet the definition:

“things which are harmful and which people have trouble not doing”

[fc417fc802]

It's a matter of degree.

I don't impulsively drive to the store to purchase another bag immediately after finishing the one I have whereas (for example) many people exhibit such behavior when it comes to tobacco.

In the case of social media the feed is intentionally designed to be difficult to walk away from and it is endless (or close enough as makes no practical difference). Even if it weren't endless, refreshing an ever changing page is trivial in comparison to driving to the store and spending money.

[twoodfin]

How would you contrast social media with Netflix in this regard?

[fc417fc802]

An amusing question. Episodes are much longer and most shows only have one or a few seasons. I don't get the sense that streaming services optimize for difficulty to walk away and do something else any more or less than a good book does.

Maybe autoplay and immediately popping up a grid of recommendations should both be legally forbidden as tactics that blatantly prey on a well established psychological vulnerability. I'd likely support such legislation provided that it could be structured in such a way as to avoid scope creep and thus erosion of personal liberties.

In short I think Netflix is closer to a bag of Lays and modern social media closer to the cigarette industry of yore.