Yesterday afternoon, I decided to conduct an experiment. Let me clarify, it holds no scientific validity. I'm connected to various people across multiple social networks. Some contacts overlap, others (like on #Facebook) are primarily known from 'real' life. I try to live with positivity and optimism, and this sentiment reflects in my posts on social networks. Any #algorithm should recognize this. However... in the #Fediverse, I see beautiful pictures, technical posts, constructive dialogues, occasional negativity, sporadic hate speech but, overall, the experience is relaxing, enjoyable, and pleasant 😌. On #Twitter and Facebook, on the other hand, I'm immediately confronted with irritating posts or normal posts filled with bickering comments. In general, the experience is much more negative, gloomy, and depressing 😞.

I've realized that the algorithm thrives on people's negativity. Irritated people engage more, respond more. In short, they use social media and see their ads more frequently.

I strongly feel that someone in this world has realized that there's much to gain from #angry people 😡.

#SocialMedia #OnlineExperience #DigitalLife #Mastodon #SocialNetworks #Engagement

For years, I have used DNS-based ad-blockers on both mobile and fixed devices. Today, for the first time, I have surfed the web without any ad-blocker. The world of the web has become an incredible mess. I wonder: how much do all these banners pollute? How much traffic do they generate, how much electricity?

#adblocker #internetads #pollution #webtraffic #onlineexperience #web #internet