Let's create a new problem to solve the problem we created to solve a problem that didn't exist before we started mucking around with AI bots.

Engadget: Reddit is weighing identity verification methods to combat its bot problem https://www.engadget.com/social-media/reddit-is-weighing-identity-verification-methods-to-combat-its-bot-problem-195814671.html @Engadget #Reddit #Ageverification

Reddit is weighing identity verification methods to combat its bot problem

Steve Huffman, Reddit's CEO, said that using biometrics is the "most lightweight way" to verify that it's a human.

Engadget

@AAKL @Engadget You know what I find hilarious?

Before embracing AI and fucking with moderator approved bots, Reddit actually had this problem nearly solved with their reputation system and distributed moderation system.

Moderators would manage their communities and utilize bots they specifically chose to handle the large volume of comments. Users would upvote each other as they interacted as humans. Bots would then be nearly contained and restricted on the platform while users managed the spam for free.

@Epic_Null @Engadget Yeah. Didn't Reddit fire some of the moderators?

@AAKL @Epic_Null @Engadget They restricted the moderators' use of third party apps which, unlike Reddit's app, didn't suck. That led to a blackout protest. A lot of the moderators took their ball and went home.

I never look at Reddit on mobile, it is far too annoying bugging me to install their app. And I do not use apps.

@mike805 @Epic_Null @Engadget That was the moment in time when Reddit started going downhill to make more money.

@AAKL @Epic_Null @Engadget People really must stop investing time, energy, and emotion into commercial Internet sites. The value you create will be destroyed for profit 100% of the time.

I understand people taking the easy route in the early 2000s. But how many people invested part of their soul in some forum on a commercial Internet provider, only to have it destroyed? Learn from experience and stop doing that.

@mike805 @Epic_Null @Engadget I agree. But people haven't learned the lesson. Look at YouTube, which continues to manipulate its users. But the fact that they've invested so much time and energy into their YouTube presence is the reason why they don't pick up and leave.

@AAKL @Epic_Null @Engadget People on YouTube are trying to make money. That is inherently toxic, but at least it's rational. But forums like reddit, people were doing that out of belief.

When the Trumpy right got kicked off Reddit, they set up their own forums (like patriots.win) and have stayed independent. They learned that lesson.

Other groups need to do the same.

@mike805 @Epic_Null @Engadget That's true, except that the right then went on a rampage to deny the left any discussion haunts. For that to change, someone else needs to take the reigns.

@AAKL @Epic_Null @Engadget The Right got kicked off Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit. They learned their lesson and set up their own platforms.

The Left got driven off X after Elon Musk bought it, and they are somewhat restricted on other platforms in that they cannot go too hard against Israel. They have not learned their lesson.

The power of the press - and the website - belongs to the person who owns it. Building your own is easier than ever.

@AAKL @mike805 @Engadget There is another problem here. I suspect the problem we have with people not learning the lesson is because we are constantly dealing with highschool graduates being dropped into a bar exam without warning. Like it doesn't matter how well you train your lawyers if the people sitting for the exam aren't that.