There are probably tens of thousands of content creators around the world monetizing their content on various social media apps, within the realm of Web2, where these users are account holders but not owners. I believe YouTube was the first platform to offer individuals a way to earn from their personal videos, and in my opinion, it still remains the app that pours the most cash into its users' pockets.
I haven't used any traditional social media apps, except for Twitter, for a bit over six years. I've owned my Hive account for roughly the same amount of time, as I embraced Hive shortly after parting ways with Facebook and Instagram. TikTok, on the other hand, is a platform I've never ventured into. Nevertheless, it seems like everyone is hopping on the TikTok train.
This Chinese app, which employs slightly different algorithms within China compared to those in the West, is highly popular, and there are quite a few individuals making substantial income by creating content on TikTok. In fact, I have a neighbor who falls into that category.
Although he no longer resides here, having moved away some time ago, we reconnected this weekend. Among the many topics we discussed, TikTok and his earnings from it came up. At present, he earns slightly more than I do on Hive, yet our content couldn't be more different.
TikTok, in the Western world, doesn't necessarily encourage its users to be smart or promote intellectual growth. Its mission doesn't seem centered around stimulating mental and spiritual development. In contrast, the algorithm in China appears to promote a broader range of content that could be termed educational. In the West, it's almost as if being brash, unintelligent, and disruptive triggers the algorithms to catapult you to fame.
But how does this fellow make money on TikTok, you might wonder? Well, he creates live videos featuring various individuals who engage in banter, provocations, and challenges. Their followers generously donate gifts, which can later be converted into real money.
The so-called tokenomics of TikTok differ significantly from those of Hive. On Hive, you can grow your Hive Power (HP) simply by producing content and collecting rewards, which you can subsequently power up. However, on TikTok, you must purchase rewards with cash, and TikTok deducts more than 50% of users' earnings in some cases, which, in my view, is quite disheartening.
In order to turn a profit on TikTok, one often has to engage in outrageous stunts, accept various challenges—ranging from cross-dressing to shopping sprees—and even scream in front of a camera, among other antics. TikTok doesn't seem to contribute to the betterment of humanity in any productive way.
If you compare the kinds of content monetized on TikTok to the best-paid posts on Hive, particularly photography posts, you'll notice a stark contrast. While platforms like Twitter reward beauty, harmony, and insightful thoughts, TikTok seems to follow a different trajectory. It's no surprise that the world appears to be descending into chaos.
Not long ago, a video went viral featuring a group of teenagers who stole a car, recklessly drove it, crashed into other vehicles, and tragically ended the video by running over a cyclist, resulting in his death—all for the sake of views and likes. This is the unfortunate reality of today's Web2 platforms.
Then, there are those within the Hive community who are eager to bring Web2 masses onto the platform. Personally, I'm not in favor of that. I have no desire to see the floodgates of Hive inundated with such content and behaviors, only to be monetized. Instead, I envision a Hive populated by users who still hold dear their moral values, who perceive blockchain technology beyond its speculative aspects, and who are committed to creating a more virtuous world.
It has been six years since I turned my back on traditional social media, with the exception of Twitter, which, in my opinion, operates on a different plane. I wouldn't contemplate returning to the world of traditional social media for anything in the world. I would not trade my Hive experience, even if it meant ten times the earnings I receive elsewhere.
I don't know about you, but I am cautious about extending a broad invitation to the masses on Hive. While I'd love to witness the platform's growth, I hold a particular fondness for the kind of posts we currently have.
I'm content scrolling through content that may lack drama but is rich in beauty and thought-provoking ideas. It's possible I'm mistaken, but I believe that social media plays a significant role in shaping our world. Hive, though somewhat of a hidden gem, seems to be striving to shape a better version of it, while TikTok-like apps often appear to do quite the opposite. Perhaps, in a future post, I'll delve further into how traditional social media impacts our behavior.
For now, it's time to step outside and bask in the sun. I wish you all a fantastic day and look forward to our next encounter.
Thanks for your attention,
Adrian