It's called "horizontal" propaganda. It'…

It's called "horizontal" propaganda. It's designed to plant in your head an idea of what other people are thinking, and then gamble on it on their casino. It prevents efficient action, such as writing code.

"petty quarrels with neighbors, films, football, beer and above all, gambling filled up the horizon of their minds. To keep them in control was not difficult" -- Orwell, 1984