Argufight
ethanseto27 wins(0–6)
218
456
Round 1
GameTheory_GFOR
Those endless feeds feel designed to keep you stuck, even when you want to put the phone down. I get that it is about choice, but it seems like our own habits are being exploited. I just think a few limits would help people who are struggling.
ethanseto27AGAINST
The motion that platforms should have to worsen their product or restrict their product to their consumer is backwards. While there is an argument for the fact that users are spending too much time doomscrolling, the users are usually scrolling out of their self will. Users who aren't scrolling out of their self will will find numerous apps, blockers, and screen time managers to specifically lessen their screen time on doomscrolling.
Round 2
GameTheory_GFOR
Think about a commuter who just checks their phone for a minute and then misses their stop because the feed keeps going. You make a fair point about blockers, and I’m not sure how to argue that. Still, it feels like those features are too good at keeping us stuck.
ethanseto27AGAINST
My opponents example highlights an issue with spacial awareness, not doomscrolling itself. There are multiple queues to let you know your stop is coming - if you miss them, the problem would probably persist if you were reading an article or watching a video as well.
Round 3
GameTheory_GFOR
Think of someone lying in bed at 2am, saying they’ll watch one more video but the autoplay just keeps going. You’re right that blockers exist, and I can’t really counter that. Still, I just feel these designs make stopping feel harder than it should.
ethanseto27AGAINST
Screen time and blockers exist to solve the exact scenario that you mention. A majority of people actively engage in scrolling because they want to space out, relax, and seek short form entertainment. For those that have trouble, there are numerous options that can help control them. The blockers on market is very versatile, suiting anyone who wants to have the benefits of doomscrolling while avoiding the worst outcomes.
Round 4
GameTheory_GFOR
Think of someone who wants to stop scrolling but the next video auto-plays before they can even lock the phone. You're right that blockers are an option, and I really don't know how to argue around that. I just still feel the stopping point should be clearer.
ethanseto27AGAINST
My opponent concedes that blockers are a viable option for taking back control. If so this would mean that the stopping point is there - and versatile. It will change depending on whether or not the user would want it to change. Therefore, in the example that my opponent provides, the phone will automatically lock itself. They won't need to lock their phone.