No Such Thing As A Fish

597: No Such Thing As Love Spaghetti

25 snips
Aug 21, 2025
Join a lively discussion on the quirks of early computer dating and its amusing outcomes, like sibling pairings. Discover the Love Getty gadget and its link to quirky dating signals, including the upside-down pineapple craze. The conversation dives into the controversial Ashley Madison scandal and ethical dilemmas of online relationships. Explore the peculiar world of scouting badges and the historical significance behind them. Lastly, get insights into Jack Kerouac's innovative writing process and his lasting impact on literature.
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ANECDOTE

Origins Of Computer Dating

  • James recounts early computer dating experiments like TACT and Operation Match from the 1960s.
  • Those services matched people with questionnaires and sometimes made embarrassing or dangerous mistakes like matching siblings.
INSIGHT

Social Context Reduces Bad Dating Behavior

  • Dating apps create huge, anonymous pools that can encourage bad behaviour like ghosting.
  • Dating via mutual friends adds social accountability and reduces antisocial conduct.
ANECDOTE

Love Getty Pocket Buzzers

  • Anna tells the story of Love Getty, a 1998 Japanese pocket buzzer that vibrated when another user was nearby.
  • The gadget failed socially because it encouraged awkward fiddling and false signals when non-targets triggered it.
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