How we became data

Andy Miah wrote:

As you create your videos in capcut, TikTok, or Instagram, you are actually engaged in a more economically driven activity. The core component of this is the musical discovery you experience when using templates with music already attached, or searching for music that fits your video. The second is involvement in the creator economy and the absorption of its value system. Subtle shifts that occur via the latter include your having less patience for long form content such as films or books, or the feeling you experience that something only happened if it is shared on social. The consequence of these two processes is the core catalyst of media change.

Prompt

Chatgpt transform to 800 word essay

AI Output:

The Economics of Social Media Content Creation: Music, Value Systems, and Media Evolution

In an era dominated by social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and CapCut, content creation has become a ubiquitous activity for millions of users. While this activity might appear as a creative outlet or a means of self-expression, it is deeply intertwined with broader economic and cultural systems. At its heart, the seemingly simple process of creating videos is driven by two key forces: musical discovery and immersion in the creator economy. Together, these forces subtly but significantly reshape how we consume media, prioritize our time, and perceive the world around us. These shifts, though often overlooked, serve as the driving force behind broader changes in media and culture.

Musical Discovery: The Foundation of Video Content

One of the most compelling aspects of creating videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is the integration of music. Whether selecting a pre-attached track from a CapCut template or hunting for the perfect song to complement a video, users are engaging in a process of musical discovery. This is not merely about enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a video; it is a deeply economic activity that ties creators to the music industry.

Platforms like TikTok thrive on the viral potential of sound. Music tracks attached to trends or templates often gain massive popularity, propelling little-known songs or artists into the mainstream. For users, the process of finding music that resonates with their content involves not only personal taste but also an implicit understanding of what might appeal to their audience. This activity creates a feedback loop: as creators use trending sounds, they amplify their reach, encouraging more creators to adopt the same tracks. In this way, social media platforms serve as powerful promotional tools for the music industry, blurring the lines between content creation and economic activity.

The Creator Economy and Its Value System

Beyond the music itself, the act of creating videos places users firmly within the framework of the creator economy. This ecosystem, characterized by the monetization of digital content, influences not only how creators engage with their platforms but also their broader value systems. The creator economy thrives on metrics like likes, shares, and views, which are interpreted as markers of success. As users participate in this system, they absorb its underlying values, often without realizing it.

One of the most significant shifts prompted by this absorption is a reduction in patience for long-form content such as films or books. In a digital environment where short, engaging videos dominate, traditional media formats can feel laborious. Why invest two hours in a film when a 15-second TikTok can provide instant entertainment or inspiration? Similarly, the creator economy fosters a sense of immediacy and validation. Experiences that are not captured and shared on social media can feel incomplete, as though they lack legitimacy in the eyes of both the creator and their audience.

This value system also promotes a transactional approach to creativity. Content is no longer just about expression but about optimizing engagement. Users often tailor their videos to trends or templates that have proven successful for others, prioritizing virality over originality. This shift reflects a broader cultural change, where personal expression is increasingly mediated by algorithms and audience expectations.

The Consequences: Media Transformation

The interplay of musical discovery and the creator economy has far-reaching implications for the evolution of media. These processes are not isolated; they influence how people consume and create content, shaping the broader media landscape in profound ways.

First, the integration of music into video content has transformed how audiences engage with media. In the past, music discovery was largely a passive experience, driven by radio, television, or curated playlists. Today, it is an active, participatory process tied to visual storytelling. This shift has democratized music promotion, giving independent artists unprecedented opportunities to reach global audiences. However, it has also concentrated power in the hands of social media platforms, which dictate the trends and algorithms that determine a song's success.

Second, the absorption of the creator economy's value system has altered audience expectations. As short-form content becomes the norm, traditional media formats must adapt to remain relevant. Streaming platforms, for instance, are experimenting with shorter episodes or interactive content to cater to audiences accustomed to bite-sized entertainment. At the same time, the emphasis on social validation has created a culture where media consumption is often performative. Watching a show or reading a book is no longer just a personal experience but an opportunity to share opinions, memes, or reactions online.

Finally, these changes underscore the broader impact of social media on cultural values. The emphasis on immediacy and visibility fosters a sense of hyperconnectivity, where individuals feel compelled to document and share every aspect of their lives. This phenomenon reshapes not only how people engage with media but also how they perceive reality. If an event is not shared online, it can feel as though it never truly happened—a perspective that reflects the deep entanglement of digital and physical experiences.

Conclusion

The process of creating videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and CapCut is far more than a creative pastime. It is a deeply economic activity rooted in musical discovery and participation in the creator economy. These forces shape not only the content users produce but also their broader value systems, influencing how they consume media, prioritize their time, and perceive their experiences. As these processes continue to evolve, they serve as the core catalyst for media transformation, driving shifts in cultural norms and audience expectations. In a world where the line between creator and consumer is increasingly blurred, understanding these dynamics is essential to navigating the future of media and culture.