Zombie Economics: Why Colony’s Hive Mind Matters

Yeon Sang-ho’s latest film, Colony, offers a fresh take on the zombie genre by introducing a hive mind to the undead hordes. This concept speaks to deeper truths about property and risk in modern society, particularly in real estate investment.

On the surface, Colony’s depiction of a biotech CEO being injected with a mysterious substance that turns him into a zombie-like creature seems like science fiction. However, upon closer inspection, parallels emerge between the “hive mind” of Colony’s zombies and the way many investors approach real estate investment today. Just as infected in the film are drawn to their prey by collective instinct, so too do many property investors rely on the idea that a particular neighborhood or market will be “hot,” without necessarily understanding why.

This reliance on trend following is not new, but Colony’s use of a hive mind highlights its dangers in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. When everyone thinks the same way and reacts to the same stimuli, it can create collective madness that ignores underlying fundamentals of any given market.

The recent real estate bubble in cities like Vancouver or San Francisco serves as a stark example of this phenomenon. Investors fueled by speculation and fear of missing out drove up prices to unsustainable levels until the inevitable crash came. Meanwhile, those warning about the dangers of a market driven by hype were dismissed as “naysayers” or “doomsters.”

Colony’s take on the zombie genre is both entertaining and cautionary. By depicting a world where individual zombies are replaced by a collective, unstoppable force, the film highlights the risks of ignoring fundamental principles and following the crowd.

The Rise of the Hive Mind

Real estate developers, policymakers, and investors often rely on trend analysis to inform their decisions rather than taking a nuanced approach that considers multiple factors. This can lead to a lack of diversity in property types being built and a failure to address underlying issues driving demand in any given area.

In cities like Los Angeles or Miami, luxury high-rise developments have surged in recent years – often driven by foreign investment and speculation rather than genuine demand for housing. Meanwhile, those who cannot afford these properties are left with limited options as affordable housing stock dwindles and prices continue to rise.

Colony’s hive mind serves as a metaphor for this kind of thinking, where individual decisions are replaced by a collective force that ignores the needs of the many in favor of short-term gains. By depicting a world where zombies think and act together, the film highlights the dangers of ignoring fundamental principles in real estate development.

A Warning from History

Colony’s take on the zombie genre is not just about real estate – it’s also a commentary on broader societal trends. The hive mind of the infected serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, individuality and critical thinking can be powerful tools for survival.

This lesson has been lost on many policymakers in recent years, who have prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability. By ignoring underlying issues driving demand in any given area, they risk creating a world where zombies – both literal and metaphorical – are able to thrive.

As the real estate market continues to evolve, it’s worth considering the lessons of Colony. Rather than relying on trend analysis or speculative investment, we should prioritize fundamental principles like diversity, sustainability, and affordability.

By doing so, we can avoid creating a world where zombies – both literal and metaphorical – are able to thrive. Instead, we can create cities that are truly livable for all, with housing stock that meets the needs of real people rather than just speculators and investors.

The true horror is not the zombies themselves but our own inability to think critically about the world around us. By ignoring fundamental principles and relying on trend analysis or speculative investment, we risk creating a world that is truly terrifying – one where individuality and critical thinking are replaced by a collective force that ignores the needs of the many in favor of short-term gains.

When you’re tempted to buy into a trendy neighborhood or invest in a hot new market, remember the lessons of Colony. Think critically about the world around you – and don’t be afraid to question the herd mentality that drives so much of our decision-making.