Fear and the Media (w/ Alec Liu)

In today’s age, it can feel like every day we hear about how our political leaders and media institutions pray on fear. It’s very likely that you’ve been on the receiving end of it, or at least known people who have, where any number of sensationalist headlines, articles, or videos can take us into our more basic fear, and anxiety ridden states.

We’re joined today by editorialist, Alec Liu, to better understand this dynamic:
- What’s driven the media to seemingly harness fear more and more?
- Is the idea of a “pure” media institution focused on informing and speaking truth impossible to achieve?
- Is it all bad, or is there something more here?
- And finally, how do we find our way in this system and insulate ourselves from our worst impulses?

Alec shares that the media is living in its own fear state as it navigates the existential transition of business models driven by technology. The pressure of survival has led the media to seek out what sticks, and fear just happens to sell.

With that said, Alec’s ultimate message is one of resounding optimism, as he highlights that this dynamic is already starting to change, as we adjust our behavior to seek what’s more nourishing to us. He further expounds how we actually live in an era with more tools and options than ever before, and how with a little bit of work, we can find ways to tune out the noise and be as empowered and well informed as ever before.

About Alec Liu
Alec started off his career in finance, and transitioned to working in editorial for both one the largest media outlets in the U.S., as well as for Vice, one of the fastest growing media upstarts. He's now head of marketing and communications for a strategic venture fund.

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