I think the Ring represents Google. Google has been prioritizing Reddit (and YouTube) search results for a while, now. Could they be planning a buyout of Reddit?
Google would LOVE to have a mature, social media platform that they owned. They tried and failed with Google Groups years ago. Spez gets to cash out of Reddit and Forbes and WSJ will write glowing articles about how Google heroically swooped in to “save” Reddit. (narrator: what’s left of Reddit will whither and die, just like Google Groups).
Good metaphor, since Smeagol stole the ring from his friend Deagol (Aaron Swartz) and murdered him.
If the day ever comes, either I or another can capture the “Mount Doom” moment.
Also thank you for that insight that coincidently aligns and sent me on a mental journey of metaphors and Lord of the Rings ( upvoted already so here is another upvote ⬆)
Have fun Golem.