“Are Influencers Selling Out? The Hidden Costs of Self-Promotion in the Creator Economy”
In the digital age, where every like and share seems to hold weight, I found myself pondering a rather amusing paradox: When did creating become more about the metrics than the magic? Just the other morning, I stumbled upon an article discussing how comedians struggle to find a moment for actual joke-writing amidst the incessant demands of social media engagement. It got me thinking—when we all turn into marketers, do we risk losing the very essence of what makes us artists? As creators, we’re often propelled by a genuine passion for our crafts, whether it’s writing, painting, or making music. Yet, as we eagerly share our works and watch those numbers fluctuate, a nagging question can creep in: Are we creating for joy, or just for clicks? This article dives deep into the high cost of this chase within the creator economy. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore what it really means to create in a world dominated by visibility metrics. LEARN MORE.
WRITEGEIST
The high price of chasing likes, shares, and sales in the creator economy
This morning, I read an article about how comedians are spending so much time building their online presence that it’s detracting from their comedy. The joke-writing and timing — the heart of their craft — are taking a backseat to algorithms and engagement metrics. It brought to mind a thought that keeps resurfacing for me every time I sit down to revise a headline or brainstorm article topics: when we all become marketers, the art — and the artists — suffer.
This is true for so many creators. Writers, artists, musicians — no matter the medium, the story often begins the same way: an authentic love for creating. You paint, write, compose, or perform simply because it brings you joy. The process itself is its own reward. Your work feels raw, real, and untethered from external expectations.
But then, somewhere along the way, the outside world creeps in. You share your work and people respond. At first, it feels validating, even exciting. But as you grow, so do the expectations. More likes, more shares, more followers. You start to wonder: How will this piece resonate with others? Will it perform well? Will it sell? And…
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