Anger performs better – why platforms like Threads reward anger

😵‍💫 On text-based platforms like Threads, it's particularly clear: Those who are loud are heard. Those who evoke emotion are rewarded. And those who express anger generate reach.

🤯 This is less due to ill will – but rather to the algorithms. They optimize for engagement, not quality. The more people comment, discuss, or get upset, the more visible the post becomes. Anger clicks. Polarization works. And the platform grows with it.

😵 The result: The ripcord is getting shorter and shorter. Differentiation is losing relevance. What counts is the impact of the emotion – not the substance of the statement.

🤐 This isn't just a problem for the culture of discussion. It's also changing how we think and speak – public discourse is becoming a stimulus-response machine. Those who remain silent disappear. Those who speak loudly win.

❓️ The question is: Do we really want this?

🧐 I'm 38 years old. I'm an adult. I often see posts where I'd like to contribute something because I find some of the topics very relevant. But then I see people insulting each other like they're in kindergarten. I don't want to be insulted and abused just because my statement isn't good enough or doesn't fit into someone's narrative. I don't want to look at my phone and be confronted with aggression there. I also don't want to constantly wait for something like that to happen. Everyone loses their temper at some point, but it shouldn't be so normalized.

🐒 In my opinion, anyone who constantly becomes abusive because someone expresses an unpleasant opinion has a major problem with their own emotional regulation. For me, since I have ADHD, the topic of emotional regulation is very important. I've invested many years in therapy and don't want to be constantly bombarded with such immature behavior.

🕊 Pull yourselves together! ✌️

🤗 For a more nuanced discussion, please feel free to use the comments section, private messages or the anonymous contact form on my website.