koehenkilömylly

Koehenkilömylly refers to a Finnish term that translates to "test person mill" or "guinea pig mill." It is often used informally to describe a situation where individuals are subjected to numerous tests, trials, or experiments, sometimes with little regard for their well-being or the potential outcomes. The term carries a negative connotation, suggesting a process that is exhaustive, potentially exploitative, and lacking in empathy for the people involved.

This concept can arise in various contexts. In a professional setting, it might refer to a company that frequently moves employees between different projects or roles without adequate support or clear objectives, effectively using them as disposable resources for testing new strategies. In research, it could describe a situation where participants in studies are overloaded with demanding tasks or repetitive procedures, resembling a factory-like approach to data collection. The "mill" aspect implies a continuous, relentless process that grinds down the individuals subjected to it.

The connotation of koehenkilömylly is one of depersonalization and a focus on output over the human element. It highlights a concern that individuals are being treated as mere instruments for achieving a goal, rather than as people with their own needs and limits. The term serves as a critique of systems or practices that prioritize efficiency or experimentation to an extent that disregards the welfare of the participants.