“We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us.” - Marshall McLuhan
If you’re looking for a little sanity in the universe of reviewing-bombing and (Don’t Read The!) comments sections, I direct you to good thoughts by Chelsea Zukowski, Eric Pierce. I shared a two year old post about being positive, because this is not the first time we’ve all had this conversation. I don’t want to give it too much time, because I’m here to present something else. I’m having a good time, and I hope you are too.
But let’s also acknowledge that part of the problem is the internet itself and how it’s built. It impacts how we process information and stories. It’s a basically amoral system that responds only to Engagement. That’s why Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t turn off audience scores even though they’re a barely useful tool: they generate activity on the website, and if you’re active there, your data can be captured and they can charge more to advertise to you. Their business model is not actually creating a great way to learn about movies - it’s to get eyeballs and clicks for Rotten Tomatoes.