I think it is because we are implementing Goodharts law on a society scale.
"When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure"
Many people see others taking short cuts and getting rewarded so that is seen as a legitimate path now. This works short term but errodes the foundations of that society over time.
You're right, except that I'd also modify your statement slightly by saying that we're not really implementing anything - and it's just an emergent property of large systems of people interacting.
Comments
I think it is because we are implementing Goodharts law on a society scale.
"When a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure"
Many people see others taking short cuts and getting rewarded so that is seen as a legitimate path now. This works short term but errodes the foundations of that society over time.
So yeah this tracks for how things are going.
You're right, except that I'd also modify your statement slightly by saying that we're not really implementing anything - and it's just an emergent property of large systems of people interacting.
Having a degree itself used to be a pretty good measure of something, and now it's pretty meaningless. (Unless you don't have one of course)