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" We exhibit classic reward seeking, lab rat behavior...Rats will eventually stop pressing the lever if their device dispenses food regularly or not at all. But if the lever’s rewards are rare and irregular, the rats will never stop pressing it. In other words, it's essential that social media is mostly unsatisfying. That's what keeps us scrolling, scrolling, pressing our lever over and over in the hopes of getting some fleeting sensation, some momentary rush of recognition, flattery or rage. "

Jia Tolentino , Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion


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Jia Tolentino quote : We exhibit classic reward seeking, lab rat behavior...Rats will eventually stop pressing the lever if their device dispenses food regularly or not at all. But if the lever’s rewards are rare and irregular, the rats will never stop pressing it. In other words, it's essential that social media is mostly unsatisfying. That's what keeps us scrolling, scrolling, pressing our lever over and over in the hopes of getting some fleeting sensation, some momentary rush of recognition, flattery or rage.