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Comment by SoftwareMaven | Hacker News Reader

This reply got me thinking: does the nearly-zero incremental cost of a bit cause people to be more likely to turn into virtual hoarders? Anybody who didn't through physical mail away ever would be looked at funny, but I rarely delete an email, either.

Is there a psychological cost associated with virtual hoarding like there is with physical? Or is it truly not hoarding?

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Coming from the opposite side, I wonder if there's an "anti-hoarding" disorder; feeling that most things (physical or virtual) in one's possession is a liability, a weight that would be better off discarded unless they are absolutely necessary. Almost everything I own adds to my psychological debt and I feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders whenever I can get rid of stuff, documents, files, emails or anything else attached to me.

I am like this. I am constantly looking to get rid of as much as I can and that includes digital things too.

I just moved a few months ago and everything I own fit in the back of a 87' Volvo wagon. And that includes my bed.

I believe you're describing Zen Buddhism.

"""Coming from the opposite side, I wonder if there's an "anti-hoarding" disorder; feeling that most things (physical or virtual) in one's possession is a liability, a weight that would be better off discarded unless they are absolutely necessary."""

There sure is one -- and the minimalist trend has a little to do with that tendency, but it's something much rarer than hoarding.

A lot of people do the "anti-hoarding" thing with emotions, memories, friendships and relationships, though, just letting them slip through without affecting them.

Coping mechanisms, if I ever saw one...

When the things you are 'hoarding' are indexed digital copies, you are 'archiving'.

"""Is there a psychological cost associated with virtual hoarding like there is with physical? Or is it truly not hoarding?"""

Of course there is -- hoarding is the attitude towards preserving stuff (and fear of mortality / things changing / passing), not about whether it's physical or virtual stuff.

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