Network Working Group L. Painter
Request for Comments: PSDP-0001 March 2026
Category: Informational
Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol (PSDP)
Status of This Memo
This document provides information for the Internet community.
It does not specify an Internet standard of any kind.
Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
This document describes the Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol (PSDP), a lightweight signaling method intended to identify low-value, disposable commentary within digital communication environments.
The protocol provides participants with a minimal response mechanism that acknowledges such content without contributing to escalation, argument cycles, or attention amplification.
PSDP introduces a simple phrase-based signal allowing users to recognize and disengage from Disposable Opinion Artifacts (DOAs).
Modern social media platforms encourage rapid-response interaction in which participants are incentivized to produce commentary frequently regardless of informational value.
This environment produces communication artifacts characterized by momentary engagement rather than meaningful contribution. These are referred to in this document as Disposable Opinion Artifacts (DOAs).
The Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol provides a simple mechanism for identifying such artifacts and signaling their presence without further engagement.
The metaphor originates from disposable plastic utensils: inexpensive, temporary tools intended for single use and immediate disposal. Similarly, many digital responses serve a momentary purpose and are discarded immediately after consumption.
Plastic Spoon
A unit of low-value commentary or reaction generated primarily for
participation rather than meaningful contribution.
Disposable Opinion Artifact (DOA)
Any communication displaying characteristics consistent with a
Plastic Spoon.
Detection Event
The moment at which a participant recognizes a DOA within a
communication stream.
Signal Response
The act of invoking the Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol.
The Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol is intentionally minimal.
Upon observing a Detection Event, a participant MAY respond using the signal phrase:
Plastic Spoons
An extended signal MAY also be used:
Plastic Spoons Detected
An optional warning indicator MAY accompany the signal:
⚠ Plastic Spoons Detected
After issuing the signal, the participant SHOULD disengage from the discussion thread and avoid additional commentary.
This design reduces amplification of Disposable Opinion Artifacts within attention-driven communication systems.
The Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol follows three operational steps:
1. Detection A participant identifies content consistent with a Disposable Opinion Artifact. 2. Signal The participant posts the PSDP signal phrase. 3. Disengagement The participant ceases further interaction.
Implementations SHOULD minimize conversational amplification once the signal has been issued.
Implementations MAY include visual signaling mechanisms including:
⚠ Plastic Spoons Detected
Animated response objects (GIFs), warning symbols, or reaction graphics MAY accompany the signal phrase.
A triangular warning symbol containing a spoon icon MAY be used as a visual representation of protocol activation.
Example 1:
User observes repetitive argument cycles. Response: Plastic Spoons.
Example 2:
User encounters low-effort reaction commentary. Response: ⚠ Plastic Spoons Detected
User disengages from the thread.
The Plastic Spoons Detection Protocol is designed to prevent escalation loops within online discourse.
Participants SHOULD NOT engage in extended debate regarding the validity of the signal or attempt to litigate the definition of Plastic Spoons.
Such activity may constitute recursive protocol violation.
PSDP is not intended to suppress speech.
Instead, it provides a shorthand mechanism for acknowledging communication patterns that contribute little informational value within digital discussion environments.
The protocol recognizes that the freedom to speak naturally produces varying levels of signal and noise within open communication systems.
This document requires no IANA actions.
The metaphor underlying this protocol originates from a 1990 sketch by Fry and Laurie examining the relationship between technological expansion and perceived choice.
The protocol adapts that metaphor to modern attention-based digital communication environments.
Lee Painter Independent Musician / Software Engineer Project: Plastic Spoons https://plasticspoons.io
Plastic Spoons
Minimal implementations require only a single signal phrase.
"The freedom to speak is the drug that we crave."