Ever since people discovered that it is possible to create contents and get paid for it, a lot have folks doing everything they can to secure the bag flooding this space with a lot of controversial posts. The moment these content creators catch wind of any news that seems worthwhile, they escalate it to unprecedented proportions milking it as much as possible going as far as even distorting information that it is becoming difficult to ascertain reality from straight up lies.
The decline in quality content is becoming alarming especially in this part of the world. The fact that there are limited opportunities here has pushed people into indulging in demeaning contents even though it rivals their moral and ethical values. People no longer have the intentions of job hunting or even working a 9-5 job anymore since this whole monetization scheme started. As long as they have a good smartphone, a ring light and an idea, they quickly transition to TikTok or Instagram as a full-time hustle.
This is rapidly eating away at productivity, making people lazy to search for a job or even work when one is available. Content creation is seen as a get rich quick scheme with less stress. Whenever this generation is looking for a means to generate income, they just stand in front of a camera even when it makes no sense or impact to society. I remember when people created contents and shared them online just for the fun of it back in the days but now it has turned into an avenue to make money through any means necessary.
I was talking to an old friend about a month ago and she straight up told me that she was currently in the market for a new job after resigning from her previous one due to under payment issues. After a few minutes of serious conversing, she made up her mind to go learn a digital skill as that would give her an added edge to both work for people and also serve as a side hustle. The whole discussion seemed to have ended on a good note until three days later when I saw a reel of her on Facebook. Watching the content she posted really had me all confused, I did not know how to feel about it because I know it goes against everything she used to fight for - contents centered on sexualizing women and in this case herself.
I immediately called her to question her choices which seemed very different from the previous conclusion. She told me that she did not have the time to deal difficulties of learning something new and could not deal with how exhausting it is to search for a new job so she she is settling for content creating and the very reason why she was choosing this niche was because it always attracts engagements. Seeing her mind was already made up I decided to let it be and watch how the whole thing unfolds from a distance. I still see her contents every once in awhile wondering if monetization was truly worth her dignity.
Knowing that your contents will get monetized if it is trendy regardless of whether it is good or not has pushed people into desperation. I honestly believe contents should be screened and put through an unbiased eligibility test before they can be paid but the chances of this happening is very slim because even the contents you see as trash, is a haven to others.
Thank you.
All images are mine