A multipolar trap occurs when multiple independent actors, each making decisions for their own survival or success, collectively create outcomes that harm everyone – including themselves - usually as they seek short term gains. The “multipolar” bit refers to the fact that there is more than one actor engaging in this behavior.
What makes these situations particularly perplexing is that people often clearly see the damage they're causing but cannot entirely stop without putting themselves at a serious disadvantage.
Consider social media platforms and content creators, who find themselves caught in an attention arms race. While everyone involved would prefer to create and promote meaningful content, the competitive nature of the attention economy forces them to use increasingly aggressive tactics to capture viewers' attention...<<<Read More>>>...
