Everything Can Be 'Semaglutide-ized': Efficiency Above All, Prediction Markets, the Spectacle Economy, and War
Kyla Scanlon critiques modern society's obsession with "optimization" as a form of escapism, arguing that it turns bodies, identities, and beliefs into tradable assets. This culture promotes quick fixes—like Ozempic for weight loss or biohacking for longevity—without addressing systemic root causes. She identifies a shift from collective infrastructure to individualized, privatized solutions, driven by financial nihilism and a desperate desire for control in an unstable economy.
This leads to "faith markets" (e.g., prediction markets, crypto) where narratives trump fundamentals, exploiting fear and despair. Examples include the "manosphere," where influencers monetize loneliness and insecurity, and even government communication that prioritizes memes over substantive action. Scanlon emphasizes that true agency requires addressing structural issues—affordability, functional institutions—rather than pursuing superficial, personal optimizations. The article calls for a shift from despair-driven consumption to hope-based, collective solutions.
marsbit03/29 01:09
