Liv Bori: How Modern Media Has Broken Our World

Liv Bori delves into the concept of Moloch, a metaphor introduced by Scott Alexander in his 2014 article “Meditations on Moloch” on his blog Slate Star Codex. Moloch represents a mechanism where short-term rational decisions lead to long-term negative consequences, driven by the desire for victory at any cost. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of modern media, where competition has intensified, leading to the use of clickbait and emotional manipulation to attract audiences.

Bori highlights how modern media, including social networks, have intensified competition, leading to the use of clickbait and emotional manipulation to attract audiences. The polarization of society is exemplified by the 'mitosis of Congress' graph, showing the increasing divergence of opinions between Republicans and Democrats. The British tabloids of the 1980s and 1990s are cited as examples of media provoking anger and hatred, with the Daily Mirror printing a dartboard with David Beckham's face after his infamous red card incident.

The BBC is criticized for eventually succumbing to ideological bias and sensationalism, as noted by Liv Bori in her observations of their reporting. Bori expresses frustration with the media's tactics, comparing the situation to a sharp blade cutting through reality, which she metaphorically calls Moloch.