I saw a comment this morning lamenting the imbalance of positive and negative news content that we are given.
There are scientific studies (Negativity drives online news consumption) that show this type of content generates higher engagement. So whether news organisations are aware of their editorial direction or not, the clicks that drive the content they publish push them into this space.
I am not suggesting we stop discussing the important serious issues of the day.
Though, I will be actively trying to share more positive articles with you all going forward and I encourage you to join me.
I recall a story - sigh, from Reddit - where a business owner tried to sell products online for lets say a flat $2.00 USD that includes tax, while his competitors were trying to sell similar for like $1.96 without tax included. He couldn’t stay in business, b/c people just mindlessly sort by the lowest price & immediately went for that (years ago, before everything needs to be checked if it is a cheap knock-off).
I’m not saying that you can’t fight the system, but it is hard - there is resistance. Stupidity is a real force of nature, as is greed, and self-centeredness, etc.
Which is all the more reason they need to be fought against - the mere act of going against them improves you, compared to just going with the flow.:-)
It’s strange to consider the US system of prices and taxes from an Australian perspective. In Australia all prices must be displayed inclusive of any applicable taxes.
I think that’s the case everywhere but in the US.
I believe Japan does this too, IIRC.
Wow, weirdos. Luckily, they joined the smart people in 2021 ;) https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/price-tags-in-japan-must-state-final-price-including-sales-tax-starting-april-1-032921
Canada has the same system.
Sure that’s handy, but we have FREEDOM! /s