Fuzzy Metrics Protect Relationships

Humans evolved to track social value imprecisely, which softens status comparisons and enables gracious reciprocity. Turning ambiguous social signals into precise public numbers (likes, follower counts, salaries) heightens envy and perceived loss, warping behavior toward metric‑gaming. Sometimes hiding or blurring counts yields healthier social dynamics. — This suggests platform and workplace design should deliberately de‑emphasize or obfuscate social counters to reduce perverse incentives and social harm.