Insights on Human Conditioning: Medium's Boost Program Explained
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Chapter 1: Understanding Human Conditioning
The intriguing concept of human conditioning is vividly illustrated in Medium’s Boost program. One wonders: does this benefit only the platform or also the writers involved?
Did someone mention ‘food’? It certainly rings a bell! In the realm of sports science, psychology plays a crucial role. After all, convincing individuals to engage in strenuous activities they may dislike is vital—think sports, for instance.
Before you can enthusiastically encourage athletes on the sidelines, a foundation in introductory courses is essential. One particular professor had a keen interest in learning and behavior, largely because of his textbook that aligned with the course exam.
A pivotal topic in this field is conditioning. Many of you might be familiar with classical conditioning. Who could forget Pavlov’s experiments with his charming dogs?
“Classical conditioning is the process in which an automatic, conditioned response is paired with specific stimuli.” — Rehmann et al., National Library of Medicine
Pavlov famously paired the sound of a bell with food to induce salivation in dogs. Each time food was presented, he rang the bell, creating an association that led the dogs to salivate upon hearing just the bell, even in the absence of food.
Classical conditioning represents just one type of learning; operant conditioning is another significant form.
“Operant conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is a learning process where voluntary behaviors are modified through association with rewards or aversive stimuli. The frequency or duration of the behavior may increase through reinforcement or decrease through punishment or extinction.” - Wikipedia
Fans of The Big Bang Theory may recall Sheldon Cooper’s attempts to modify Penny's behavior through operant conditioning, rewarding her with chocolate for displaying desired actions.
But how does this relate to Medium’s Boost program? Is it a manifestation of operant conditioning?
Section 1.1: Exploring Operant Conditioning
To clarify, let’s discuss two relevant approaches to operant conditioning:
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding desirable behavior—much like Penny receiving chocolate for her actions. Conversely, negative punishment occurs when a pleasant consequence is withheld, diminishing the likelihood of a behavior.
Let’s analyze this further. Medium values high-quality, reader-enriching content. Writers who succeed in producing such articles are rewarded with a Boost—akin to receiving chocolate.
However, when we fall short, the absence of recognition can feel disheartening. The brilliance of this system lies in its reinforcement schedule, particularly in the context of the Boost program.
Section 1.2: The Reinforcement Schedule
“The timing and frequency of reinforcement is known as the schedule of reinforcement. There are two main types: continuous and intermittent. Continuous reinforcement means that a specific behavior is rewarded every time it occurs, while intermittent reinforcement is given only occasionally. This latter method is believed to strengthen behavior maintenance.” - Encyclopedia of Human Behavior
Medium could opt for continuous reinforcement, rewarding every article that meets their standards with a Boost. However, the program operates differently.
Due to subjective evaluations and the sheer number of authors, writers cannot predict when they will receive a Boost. This unpredictability contributes to an exhilarating rush of dopamine when rewards are granted, prompting writers to replicate the behaviors that led to their success.
This creates a cycle of striving for another boost of recognition, much like the pursuit of a delicious slice of pizza. Is this manipulation?
Chapter 2: The Ethics of Conditioning
You may have your own views on this matter, but I would argue that it isn’t inherently manipulative. After all, I, too, occasionally offer praise to my athletes, albeit not every time they train.
The key takeaway is that many of our everyday actions are governed by intermittent reinforcement schedules, which can often be beneficial.
Exercise serves as a prime example of operant conditioning. Regular workouts may not yield immediate results; instead, they provide occasional boosts in strength and fitness—positive reinforcement.
Ultimately, only Tony Stubblebine could confirm whether the Boost program was intentionally designed as operant conditioning. If it was, it’s a clever strategy to keep writers engaged and produce the types of articles that align with Medium’s interests.
Who can fault Medium for encouraging authors to contribute to a commercially viable platform?
While it’s crucial that writers feel consistently rewarded, the challenge lies in ensuring that all contributors receive adequate reinforcement. If many writers—especially newcomers—don’t receive positive feedback, they may quickly lose motivation.
Just as I must offer encouragement to novice athletes, Medium must be mindful of how it supports its writers.
Trust me—I know what I’m talking about.
© 2024 Annie Avery. All rights reserved.
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