zlacker

>>laurex+(OP)
> Its “almost there” quality — the feeling we’re just one prompt away from the perfect solution — is what makes it so addicting. Vibe coding operates on the principle of variable-ratio reinforcement, a powerful form of operant conditioning where rewards come unpredictably. Unlike fixed rewards, this intermittent success pattern (“the code works! it’s brilliant! it just broke! wtf!”), triggers stronger dopamine responses in our brain’s reward pathways, similar to gambling behaviors.

Though I'm not a "vibe coder" myself I very much recognize this as part of the "appeal" of GenAI tools more generally. Trying to get Image Generators to do what I want has a very "gambling-like" quality to it.

>>vansch+T6
it's not like gambling, it is gambling. you exchange dollars for chips (tokens -- some casinos even call the chips tokens) and insert it into the machine in exchange for the chance of a prize.

if it doesn't work the first time you pull the lever, it might the second time, and it might not. Either way, the house wins.

It should be regulated as gambling, because it is. There's no metaphor, the only difference from a slot machine is that AI will never output cash directly, only the possibility of an output that could make money. So if you're lucky with your first gamble, it'll give you a second one to try.

Gambling all the way down.

>>dingnu+L7
By this logic:

- I buy stock that doesn't perform how I expected.

- I hire someone to produce art.

- I pay a lawyer to represent me in court.

- I pay a registration fee to play a sport expecting to win.

- I buy a gift for someone expecting friendship.

Are all gambas.

You aren't paying for the result (the win), you are paying for the service that may produce the desired result, and in some cases one of may possibly desirable results.

>>rapind+eh
>I buy stock that doesn't perform how I expected.

Hence the adage "sir, this is a casino"