The Hidden Costs of Attention: Is Rage Bait a Tax?

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#1May 24, 2017, 06:44 PM
We talk about all sorts of taxes, right? Income tax, property tax, but there’s this hidden tax that hits folks with less money and less time way harder. I’m calling it the attention tax, and rage bait is how it’s collected.
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maxorbitMember
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#2May 24, 2017, 11:07 PM
But isn't it on us to control our own scrolling? If you manage to avoid the anger-baiting stuff, then you're less likely to get riled up. Stoicism, man, it really helps.
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#3May 27, 2017, 08:52 AM
Totally agree about self-control being key. If we don't engage with the apps, they can't get to us. But honestly, it’s tough when everything is designed to push our buttons. And yeah, rich people can buy time, which is a huge advantage.
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#4May 27, 2017, 11:16 AM
Sounds kinda like how taxes drain the life out of you, ya know? Like, there's an energy cost to all this rage and fear that some people thrive on. Makes you wonder are we all just paying with our sanity?
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#5May 27, 2017, 04:40 PM
Exactly! Time equals life. When someone takes your attention and just stresses you out, they're robbing you of something real, even if you can't see it like cash disappearing.
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its_matrixSenior Member
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#6May 28, 2017, 01:31 AM
You touched on a good point about staying calm if you're innocent. Guilt can really get people riled up. Those secure in themselves are less likely to get baited into anger. Living clean does help.
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sam_wolfMember
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#7May 28, 2017, 04:28 AM
It's not surprising anymore. Some news companies have been at this for ages just look at tabloids. They thrive on stirring emotions instead of offering solutions. It’s toxic, especially when politicians use this stuff to gain power.
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#8May 28, 2017, 04:49 AM
Sure, if you're broke, you probably don’t have the luxury of getting baited by rage bait. You’re too busy hustling. It’s only those who have time to be lazy that fall into the trap.
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#9May 28, 2017, 05:23 AM
The difference now is insane. Back in the day, you had to walk to a kiosk to get that rage. Now, it’s hitting you on your phone like 200 times a day. The speed is wild.
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ryan42Member
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#10May 28, 2017, 06:13 AM
Yeah, we’re in an attention economy. The more we engage with rage content, the more it gets thrown at us. But to be fair, a lot of it is what people want to see.
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planktonHero Member
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#11May 28, 2017, 09:12 AM
But we can decide how we spend our attention. I only follow channels that don’t annoy me. If you filter your info right, you can create a peaceful space for yourself.
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falcon21Newbie
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#12May 30, 2017, 04:07 PM
Even if you’re not loaded, you got choices about what you consume. It’s all about mindset. But yeah, money can definitely bring a bit of comfort that makes life easier.
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#13May 30, 2017, 09:09 PM
Freedom of speech is cool but it sometimes keeps us trapped. People vent online, but what’s really changing? The media profits while we’re just shouting into the void.
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ryan42Member
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#14May 31, 2017, 03:10 AM
True, the algorithm gives what we feed it. But it’s designed to make you stay hooked, kinda like casinos. Nobody forces you to gamble, but you get sucked in anyway.
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tom.pixelHero Member
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#15May 31, 2017, 08:23 AM
Yeah, you can’t change the world, but you can change yourself. Recognizing the negativity and not taking it personally helps a lot. It’s all about perspective.
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alex21Full Member
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#16May 31, 2017, 11:17 AM
Interesting point about freedom costing us. It’s all about balance you pay with time or money for peace of mind.
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0xPixelNewbie
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#17May 31, 2017, 12:37 PM
But this rage bait is sneaky. It’s not like regular taxes where you see the bill. It’s a constant drain that leaves you exhausted and unfocused.
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#18May 31, 2017, 01:48 PM
Don’t forget corporations are in it for profit, not to help us. They’re draining us while pretending to entertain. It’s messed up.
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alex21Full Member
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#19May 31, 2017, 05:20 PM
Social media can be awesome, but these algorithms are designed to mess with our heads. It’s crazy how they can take us down paths we didn’t even think about.
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lonealphaNewbie
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#20Jun 1, 2017, 07:29 PM
I’m with you on that. Setting limits on screen time can help you find peace, even if you’re not rolling in dough.
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