Your likes, hearts, and flattering comments are bad for my brain

All of the trivial feedback loops that social platforms have introduced to our world are fundamentally addictive tools to increase your engagement. Additionally though they change the creator, getting us to be the mouse in the cage pressing the button for more likes.

I agree with Hansson's concern on these. This is actually why I collect no data on what people click on in the Weekly Thing. I know that if I see what articles people will click on, I will subconsciously start trending content toward that activity. By completely removing that signal, I can better insure that I’m not being led by anything but my own curiosity. With that I can truly share my journey, as opposed to following the scent of further engagement.