I think the main complaint about “signalling” is when it’s a lie. E.g. if there’s some product that claims to be sophisticated, but is in fact not a reliable signal of sophistication (being usable without sophistication at all). Then people might feel affronted by people who propogate the advertising claims because of honesty-based aesthetics. I’m happy to call this an important difference from non-lie signalling, and also from other aesthetic preferences.
Oh, and there’s wasteful signalling, can’t forget about that either.
I think the main complaint about “signalling” is when it’s a lie. E.g. if there’s some product that claims to be sophisticated, but is in fact not a reliable signal of sophistication (being usable without sophistication at all). Then people might feel affronted by people who propogate the advertising claims because of honesty-based aesthetics. I’m happy to call this an important difference from non-lie signalling, and also from other aesthetic preferences.
Oh, and there’s wasteful signalling, can’t forget about that either.