• Dogyote@slrpnk.netEnglish
    0·
    9 days ago

    Why does it often seem like only China is using modern tech to make real quality of life improvements? It’s the opposite of the US. Seems like that same modern tech is making everything a bit worse day after day.

    • sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      9 days ago

      They have more catch-up to do. The US already does things like traffic control, but they have a different goal: they want drivers to feel like they’re making progress instead of actually improving things.

      For example, we put traffic signals everywhere instead of teaching people to use traffic circles. Why? Drivers like to drive fast and would rather stop than slow down. Traffic circles improve flow, but they do reduce average speed, whereas traffic lights decrease flow and increase average speed. It’s stupid, but we’re entitled jerks who like to show off at signals.

      • Dogyote@slrpnk.netEnglish
        1·
        9 days ago

        but they have a different goal: they want drivers to feel like they’re making progress instead of actually improving things.

        Sorry but I want a source for that claim.

    • CosmoNova@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      9 days ago

      More and more countries are using mass surveillance to control the population so China might not be the only ones using it to deal with traffic at all.

    • yeehaw@lemmy.caEnglish
      0·
      9 days ago

      Take a look at the USA government right now. 😜

      But ya you’re right, anyone could have been doing this for a long time. I guess it’s just politics.

      • NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        9 days ago

        You wanna reduce traffic times with these better lights? Think of all the billions of dollars lost to advertisers since people won’t be forced to look at their ads now while waiting!