Not all creators are orcs, of course. But people who don’t understand deliberately exaggerated comparisons might be. I believe that you understood my point. Don’t start arguing over nothing.
Duolingo isn’t a good resource for learning a language, it’s focus is user retention
These two statements contradict each other. To learn a language you must practice it every day, week after week, month after month. It’s an appropriate application of addictive game mechanics, because our motivation doesn’t last long: 1-3 months for most people.
Duolingo might not be the best place to learn some languages (e.g. German), but it can be a very helpful tool for everyday practice. And stuff like streaks, leagues, and other things are rather helpful.
Imagine instead of fueling up once or twice a week, you start everyday at Full.
Sure. I can also imagine Taylor Swift sitting on my lap, but that won’t change the reality. If you live in a regular tenement block, charging your car becomes a problem, and you’ll be the one paying for the infrastructure if it’s not there yet (and it isn’t where I live). Add these extra costs to the difference between a regular and EV car. Even if you’re ready to pay, it’s not guaranteed that other residents will approve that.
The first step in dealing with addiction is understanding it and identifying it. The problem is that parents often don’t speak to their children about the dangers, and what it could mean, with concrete examples.
The issue of addiction to technology is deeply rooted in the way our brains are structured. This is particularly concerning for children and teenagers, as their brains are not fully developed until around the age of 21. Simply having conversations about the dangers of addiction is not a sufficient solution, especially considering that many adults are also addicted to technology. After all, here we are, possibly spending time online arguing with strangers instead of engaging in more productive activities.
To address this issue, it’s crucial to move away from a black-and-white mindset. Extremes are rarely beneficial. It may be necessary for children to have smartphones for safety and communication purposes, but these devices should come with certain restrictions. For instance, limiting the ability of children to install any app they want or restricting excessive screen time could be effective measures. By implementing these controlled measures, we can provide the necessary safety net while also safeguarding the mental and emotional well-being of younger users.
However, real-world actions should be informed by scientific evidence. Any approach we adopt needs to be backed by data (and not opinions) proving its effectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes.
Personally, I think all the anti-Threads stuff is paranoid rhetoric
From Wikipedia:
Paranoia is an instinct or thought process that is believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety, suspicion, or fear.
You might be correct. People don’t trust in Meta and have concerns about potential consequences. According to this definition, paranoia isn’t necessarily negative. Meta has made several questionable decisions in the past, such as its involvement in the genocide in Myanmar.