What Does It Mean to Monetize Yourself?

[@sweetmomentsphotos]

This was an eye opener and very informative. I am in my early sixties and have been thinking about starting a blog or insta account about someone at this age and struggling with a non visible disability. But I am glad you presented the reality in a very clear form and now I am sure it’s just not worth it.

[@youngmaryworld]

You should make a TikTok!! Just be you and keep it going

[@lynncobb]

I loved this so much!!! Thanks Katie for bringing up "What is the end game?" - It's so true. I am a 25 year professional photographer and have been wondering is a "You Tube Channel" would be of value.... but of course the more you spend time on one thing, the less you spend on the other (like my actual job of being a photographer and making $).

[@MoneywithKatie]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Lynn! And yes, a very true point -- there's always a tradeoff somewhere :)

[@ssszzzsss7073]

I have felt very alone with these very same thoughts. Thank you for discussing this with a balanced and critical perspective. I have very often felt like I am too multidimensional for influencing or even just posting anywhere on social media, my interests are wide and varied and self farming for just the palatable aspects of myself just feels off. I think we're ALL multidimensional, why constrain ourselves into narrow digestible packages, how does that affect our mental health, what is the end game, and is it worth it? For me, there are no clear answers here so I lean more towards privacy and a desire to strengthen my in person connections.

[@heygracetran]

WOW. This is brilliant and kind of "meta" LOL my mind is spinning. But I loved this critical look at how self-surveillance and commoditization are at play, even subconsciously or without most people being aware of it when they think of social media, influencing, sharing their lives online, etc. As someone who does love to share my life and reflections / thoughts online, this is definitely challenging me to think more critically about how to do it so that I don't "lose myself" or "sell my soul" in the process. I think you're definitely on the right track when you say it's important to set boundaries... and also consider what "juice" is "worth the squeeze." Something this makes me wonder, too... I find that more and more, people are creating digital products that teach other people about how to create digital products, or influencers are teaching other people how to monetize their digital presence. Basically a cycle (like what was shown in this video)... so it makes me wonder, if more and more people are pursuing these perceived "low effort, high reward" paths - even out of good intentions and desires for better health and time/financial freedom - many years down the road... how will that shape our society? It makes me think it's actually making the "digital divide" of our world even greater, with those who are privileged enough to enter into the "knowledge space" growing their slice of the pie... which gives them an even greater responsibility to make sure they steward their growing wealth and freed up time to help those who don't have the same privileges. Curious to know what do you or others think?