secluded/content/posts/dopamine-dispensers.md

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The case for dopamine dispensers Likes and clicks and green badges and comments and analytics and ____ can be helpful, actually
Amolith
2023-02-26T23:09:00-05:00
Technology
TODO
true false

Dopamine dispensers --- likes on social media platforms, stars on GitHub, clicks on your website, etc. --- are inherently damaging and lead only to addiction ... is what I used to say. Lately, I've begun thinking otherwise. They absolutely are dangerous and can promote harmful behaviour, but in moderation, I believe that they can be quite helpful.

There are a few examples I often see vilified and I'll address each one:

  • Social media "likes" (fediverse favourites, Reddit upvotes, etc.)
  • GitHub stars
  • Website views

Software development

Website traffic

Social media

This is perhaps the more dangerous