Cobra Theory in Action: How We Fucked the Internet

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the concept of the "Cobra Effect" and how it has manifested in various domains, particularly in the context of the internet and technology. It explores how well-intentioned solutions can often backfire and lead to unintended consequences due to perverse incentives.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The Cobra Effect

1. What is the Cobra Effect? The Cobra Effect is a phenomenon where a proposed solution to a problem ends up making the problem worse. It is exemplified by the story of the British colonials in India offering a bounty for dead cobras, which led to people breeding cobras to collect the bounty, resulting in an even larger cobra population.

2. What are some other examples of the Cobra Effect?

• In Hanoi, the French colonial authorities offered a bounty for rat tails, leading to people breeding rats and cutting off their tails to collect the bounty.
• Wells Fargo's aggressive sales goals and bonuses incentivized employees to open unauthorized accounts, leading to a massive scandal.
• In Bogotá, the "Pico y Placa" system to restrict car usage based on license plate numbers led to people buying second cars with different plates, resulting in more cars on the road and increased pollution.

3. What is the underlying issue with the Cobra Effect? The Cobra Effect occurs when policymakers or decision-makers fail to account for how people will respond to new incentives and systems. They create solutions that seem logical on paper but do not consider the complex, adaptive, and self-interested nature of human behavior, leading to unintended consequences.

[02] The Cobra Effect on the Internet

1. How has the Cobra Effect manifested on the internet?

• Social media algorithms designed to maximize engagement have incentivized the spread of outrage, conflict, and sensationalism, leading to increased polarization and division.
• The need for speed in online news reporting has prioritized being first over being accurate, leading to the spread of misinformation.
• The monetization of online content has incentivized quantity over quality, resulting in a flood of shallow, repetitive content.
• The convenience of personalized services has led to people giving up more personal data, which is then used in ways they never intended.

2. What are the potential solutions to the Cobra Effect on the internet? The article suggests that potential solutions may include:

• Rethinking how online content is monetized
• Implementing stronger regulations on data use and algorithm transparency
• Fundamentally redesigning social media platforms
• Encouraging a shift in values from convenience and engagement to truth and genuine connection

3. What is the key challenge in addressing the Cobra Effect on the internet? The key challenge is that addressing the Cobra Effect on the internet will require giving up some of the things people have grown accustomed to, such as the convenience and validation provided by current digital platforms. This will be uncomfortable, as it means valuing truth and depth over engagement and shallow validation.