Comment by pembrook
20 hours ago
Some advice for those who are young:
If every idiot (I'm including myself in this) on HN/Reddit/Youtube/Tiktok/mainstream news/etc. thinks we're in a bubble and is crazy pessimistic and thinks economic collapse is near...it means we're not actually in a bubble.
When the bitter, frustrated pessimists on HN shift their tone to being neutral or even mildly optimistic, then I will start worrying. Because that will mean the general public must be reaching 1999 levels of euphoria for a hint of optimism to show up here.
I think its like being in a horror movie - you know the axe guy is in there with you, but you don't know when he's going to get you.
>When the bitter, frustrated pessimists on HN shift their tone to being neutral or even mildly optimistic, then I will start worrying.
That seems to have happened around 2023 or so as people chose to laud over AI instead of understanding the underpinnings of society coming undone in real time.
So, should I be worried?
No, because your pessimistic feelings only serve to strengthen my claim.
I find it amusing that, even when directly calling attention to the overwhelming pessimism that is the default-state on HN, I'm met with a pessimistic comment with zero self awareness.
>because your pessimistic feelings only serve to strengthen my claim.
So me pointing out optimism in discussion strengthens your claim, because it's specifically my feelings that prove your point.
Well I'm glad you can prove yourself right, if nothing else:
>When the bitter, frustrated pessimists on HN shift their tone to being neutral or even mildly optimistic, then I will start worrying.
Denial sure is a worrying point.
The hourly "AI is a bubble" threads doesn't scream optimistic to me.
Its a busy site, I can also find hourly "AI brought joy back to my life" threads.