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PaperclipPerfector  1yr ago (text post)   3542 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for October 20, 2024

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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I think average productivity in the US will take a dive over the next month. For the 2.5 weeks before Nov 5, much of the public will be psychologically consumed by election uncertainties that distract them from doing quality work, and then for another week or two afterward, the losing side will mope while the winning side get drunk. I don't think the impact will be limited to "bullshit" knowledge jobs that don't produce much tangible outcome anyways, but extend to all sectors. For instance, I predict restaurant meals will taste worse, surgeons will make more mistakes, etc.

Thoughts? Do you anticipate any election impact on your own productivity over the next 30 days?

I kinda doubt it. I think it’s a hobby of the too-online crowd, but I’m not convinced that the median American is all that interested in the election. I’m not hearing much discussion of the election in the real world, I’m not hearing ordinary Americans discussing things like Project 2025, trans people, immigrants or their culinary habits, etc. I’m also seeing a lot fewer signs around my neighborhood, bumper stickers, roadside homemade signs, hats, shirts, etc. honestly I’m not sure anyone else is interested. The only real conversation I’ve had offline about the candidates was right after the first assassination attempt, and that was mostly a short conversation of “OMG, did you hear someone shot at Trump.” “Yeah, that’s really weird.” That’s it.

Given this level of interest, I think you’re not going to see a lot of people consumed with election uncertainty to the point of a measurable impact on productivity. It’s not really something I’m seeing a lot of people thinking about or talking about or anything like that. I see more sports talk around me than election talk.

I was unfavorably compared to Kamala Harris on a customer call. (I was typing and talking at the same time and started to say word-salad.) I think people mostly avoid talking about politics when out in groups, but it is on people's minds.

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