Markets as a Video Game
Markets as a Video Game  
Podcast: The Dividend Cafe
Published On: Fri Jan 23 2026
Description: Today's Post - In this episode of Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen delves into the concept of the gamification of financial markets. Bahnsen critiques the modern trend of treating investing as a form of entertainment, likening it to video games and sports betting. He references Neil Postman's book 'Amusing Ourselves to Death' to highlight how societal shifts towards entertainment and quick gratification have impacted serious institutions, including financial markets. Bahnsen warns of the risks involved in trivializing capital allocation and market behaviors, emphasizing that the serious nature of investing should not be compromised by amusement-based tendencies. He concludes by cautioning against the influence of grifters exploiting this trend and stresses the importance of maintaining sobriety and wisdom in financial decisions. 00:00 Introduction to the Gamification of Markets 00:32 Current Market Events and Distractions 02:04 Neil Postman's Prophetic Insights 04:56 The Rise of Gamified Investing 08:40 The Serious Implications of Market Gamification 14:12 Conclusion: The Dangers of Treating Markets as Games Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com