Sickness Of Crowds Or Why I’ve Had Enough Of Digg
I have found many good stories via Digg since the site has been around. Now, I understand that the Internet is not the most wholesome of places, but I am increasingly repulsed by the bad-taste of Digg commenters. It seems to be getting worse and worse.
For example, one of today’s top stories included “Todder Dies In Hide-And-Seek Game“. Popular comments include:
- “He won, right?”
- “He was so dedicated that he did not even fear death, so long as it secured his victory. Legendary.”
- “wow…adds a completely new dimension to the game”
- “owned”
One Digger finally had something useful to say:
so i’m feeling that deep & instant empathy i always feel for other parents who’ve lost a baby — but that’s not the worst thing. that first comment, and the +83 diggs it’s gotten? that’s … hideous.
in spite of the revulsion i feel at the individuals who contributed to that number, i sincerely hope that they never have to experience the loss of a little one — no matter how badly they need some perspective on the subject.
here’s hoping they find that perspective some other way. meanwhile, i seriously need to turn off my digg feed and go take a shower. ick. just ick.
I’ve killed my Digg feed permanently. I do enjoy many of the stories that come through, but we really need an eduDigg of sorts, something with similar contributory mechanisms, but utilized by those with souls.
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Thank you for stating out loud what a lot of us feel.
Although I couldn’t do without the internet, I am often dismayed by the stupidity that I encounter. I don’t know whether it’s solely a reflexion of reality or if indeed the internet brings out the worst of some people.
If there is a Wisdom of Crowds, there is also a foolishness of gangs whereby some try to outdo the inanity of others.