Addiction Affliction: Let’s Talk Calling Our Addictive Companies
I’d like to begin this newsletter by acknowledging that I am not a policy expert. Some aspects of my perspective may indeed come across as naive. However, given the current political climate and the broader discussions surrounding policy, I wish to share an idea that has been on my mind.
Generating substantial wealth generally relies on persuading people or companies to use or purchase a product. In my view, there are two primary pathways to achieving this.
The first method involves creating products that are more affordable, faster, or more efficient for consumers. This could include innovations like LED lights, advanced transportation, or technologies that provide companies with new insights, such as a robust CRM system. It could also involve offering superior entertainment, whether through a talented actor, comedian, or athlete. In essence, people choose these products because they genuinely benefit from them.
The second method, however, is far more insidious: it hinges on addiction. Consider social media platforms as a case in point. It’s widely known that these companies design algorithms specifically to keep users hooked, maximizing time spent on their platforms to sell more advertising. Similar examples can be found in industries like alcohol, drugs, gambling, caffeine, or even more subtle ones such as sugar, salt, or incessant push notifications. These companies have become highly adept at cultivating dependence; whether or not their product enhances your life becomes irrelevant — what matters is that you keep returning to it.
This observation is likely not new to most of you; the destructive potential of addiction is well understood. But what puzzles me is the lack of a robust national conversation addressing these tactics. Why is there not more momentum toward penalizing businesses that rely on such strategies? I firmly believe that individuals — not corporations — should retain control over their lives. Thus, I propose a federal “addiction penalty” to be levied on companies whose products are deemed addictive. Furthermore, these companies should be required to disclose precisely how they cultivate dependency, making this information publicly accessible. For instance, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) should have to openly disclose and explain the addictive nature of their algorithms.
I am concerned that too many people are being exploited and manipulated by companies prioritizing profit over well-being. Perhaps it’s time we consider taking meaningful action. By imposing significant penalties on these businesses and demanding transparency, we may discourage them from choosing this exploitative path.
- Isaac Eskind, Impact Analyst
One scientific community that looks at this is the Stanford Network on Addiction Policy. Link to their webpage which has their latest is here.
This website has an all in one history of addiction treatment: https://recovery.org/drug-treatment/history/. It is amazing to see how far the world has come.
There is a fantastic documentary about addiction caused by social media companies titled “The Social Dilemma.” One part I especially liked was the interviews of people who helped develop these products and how they don’t even let their kids use them!
This newsletter is intended solely for informational purposes, and should not be construed as investment/trading advice and are not meant to be a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities mentioned. Any reproduction or distribution of this document, in whole or in part, or the disclosure of its contents, without the prior written consent of Flat World Partners is prohibited
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