The dark forest effect: why sharing half-formed ideas in public now feels dangerous

erikphoel · x · 2026-09-10

Erik Hoel boosts an essay on a years-long "chilling effect" in the public forum. Quoted passage: social commons are only noticed once gone — it used to be delightful to discuss intellectual works-in-progress or float ideas for feedback. Now posting that idea you've sat on for years means stepping into a dark forest and seeing "what hunters shoot."

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