Earlier quoted context omitted.
> We're not here to produce things to be used, but rather things that increase usage! That sounds exploitative and dystopian.
We haven't had anything like a "classical" economy since the second world war. It's not "dystopian" it's just a tragic waste of human and natural resources. """ Forget the idea that "spontaneous utilitarian consumer demand" drives markets. That mid 20th century 'pull model' passed into the era of cynical manufacture where successful businesses care not about what people want (let alone need, or just what might sell)…
""" Indeed we know in our hearts that they appeal to the weakest parts of human psychology, selfish, voyeuristic fantasies of omnipotence and omniscience. Yet they offer virtually no societal utility. """
Looks like the new toys my children want every day, but driven by their curiosity to explore the world.
> tragic waste of human and natural resources
People have solved major problems with technology: 5% of farmers can feed the world. There are no real visible challenges now. All problems are made to keep people on their toes to keep them moving. Otherwise, the heat death of the universe will come for humanity.