Is it just possible, that by introducing subtle differences to the user interface, that Facebook has caused myself - and others - to feel a certain amount of cognitive dissonance? I noticed yesterday, that there a number of posts by my friends here, observing unusual batshittery on the posts of their otherwise socially aligned friends lists. It happened to me too. A long time Facebook friend - a self defined feminist - posted an image about why people have problems with feminism. I gave an honest response to the question posed, which lead to me asking her if she too, believed in equality/egalitarian principles, and was prepared (as I was) to abandon all privileges regardless of ones social position. She refused to answer. This in itself concerned me. Why would I give voice to someone that earnestly believes in the principle that women are people too, but refuses to recognise that - in practice - she is unwilling to commit to the equality it alludes to? Instead, she got drunk - and I certainly dont begrudge her of that past-time - but she went on to almost brag about how confused her excursion had made her. This in and if itself is fine, but she then went on to defend the fact that she had driven home in this condition. In the interests of honesty, I should state that I have been guilty of drink driving in the past, but I grew up and started to take responsibility for my actions. So, bizarre as the following questions may appear, is it possible: 1) this ladys actions (both her refusal to accept equality and abandon privilege, and her decision to drive whilst barely aware of it) could have something to do with the uncomfortable and disorientating feeling that a subtle Facebook UI update, that made her act unreasonably? 2) Does this UI change explain why so many people have been posting material that is not otherwise well aligned with their stated positions? 3) Do subtle UI changes on Facebook cause a marked increase in cognitive dissonance, and otherwise batshit crazy and irrational thoughts and actions? 4) Are you aware of such a phenomenon amongst your friends? Or even yourself? Did you unfriend more people yesterday than usual? I did. This post may seem tongue in cheek to many of you, and I am not saying that this phenomenon is a real thing, but as an interesting hypothesis, I would be interested in your feedback; should there be any.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Mar 2014 11:54:25 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015