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Comment by joeblow9999 | Hacker News Reader

the smug, it is strong with these ones.

They might as well say "We are your betters and you should live how we think is best for you"

Maybe I like the YouTube feature that autostreams the next video. It's like they didn't even consider that maybe not everyone wants to live exactly their way.

They even go so far as "We are advising governments on smart policies and better user protections." Please save me from the Youtube autostreaming feature! Please save me from looking at my friends' selfies on Instagram.

Jesus Christ people.

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You're right, it would be great if we could all use software how we wanted.

Unfortunately by exploiting people's psychologies, what people want and what people do become very different things for some.

For example, it's currently not possible to turn off youtube's autoplay feature on some devices. This is a practice that could be deemed unethical.

Of course, as an adult, I can actively seek out forms of improving my self control and getting out of habit loops, but children are not educated in these subjects and need to seek them out themselves. They could be taught these subjects in school.

These are just some areas that governments could help with that could potentially help people achieve more of what they want in life without infringing on what anyone wants to do with software.

"These are just some areas that governments could help with that could potentially help people achieve more of what they want in life without infringing on what anyone wants to do with software."

Governmen should get involved with whether or not YouTube autoplays the next video? Are you serious?

Out of curiosity, what do you think government should NOT be involved in?

"Governmen should get involved with whether or not YouTube autoplays the next video?"

This is reductive. The government should be involved in preventing practices that harm consumers. Some consumers would find that they can't help themselves from watching endless videos. And no, they should not be involved in whether it autoplays. They should be involved in allowing OPTIONS deciding whether it autoplays. This was just an example. Why should the government not help consumers who feel harmed in a way that would not impact others just because you wouldn't find a use for it?

"Out of curiosity, what do you think government should NOT be involved in?"

This is also a reductive. I have only named one area the government should be involved in. I am not a statist. There is a clear harm caused by certain practices which exploit the behavioural instincts of humans. I think there is enough harm to warrant government involvement to protect consumers.

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