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A/B testing strikes again. It should be illegal at this point. It renders googling and rtfm useless, frustrates people, wastes time, and makes having online conversations about a problem difficult. Plus we are not even sure it results in improvements in the long run.

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It’s also a form of psychological experimentation.

Interesting. If it is indeed experimentation on human subjects then then they are in violation of tons of laws and regulations around informed consent. Makes me wonder what’s in the click through agreement

The self-imposed rules by universities with IRBs etc. often aren't backed by laws.

I think calling for banning of A/B testing is a bit of an overreaction, don’t you?

Not OP, but: No.

Your comment feels like gaslighting, considering you already know the answer to the question since OP is the one who suggested banning it.

Imagine you get in your car, and suddenly the buttons to roll your windows down are moved to another place. Then they go back.

Nobody would think this is alright.

Besides, I'm advocating for _non explicit_ A/B testing. Let the people know you are fucking with them at least.

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