I once read, "If you’re getting a free product, then you are the product." That line stuck with me.
by Rashmi Rekha Das
Facebook launched its Creator Program in November 2017 with the goal of competing with platforms like YouTube and Twitch by supporting video creators with tools, insights, and monetization options. Through this program, creators can earn money based on their content’s engagement, with payments deposited directly into their accounts. To get started, a creator must either create a Facebook Page or switch their profile to professional mode. Success hinges on consistency, quality content, audience interaction, and effective use of Facebook’s tools. Facebook issues weekly challenges, and creators must complete them to qualify for rewards.
Popular Content Types
Video content dominates the platform. Among the most popular formats are live streams, 30- to 60-second videos, and user-generated clips, which attract the most attention globally. Other content types include polls, static posts, and text-based updates, though they generally see less engagement.
Videos with eye-catching visuals or graphics tend to perform well. Controversial or emotionally charged content also drives traffic and comments. Posts that ask questions or encourage interactions—likes, shares, and comments—often go viral.
The Pros and Cons for Creators and Consumers
I once read, “If you’re getting a free product, then you are the product.” That line stuck with me. Is this still true today? Every time we scroll through social media, we’re bombarded with content—it feels like it’s raining videos.
Every coin has two sides. On the plus side, the Creator Program gives users a way to showcase their skills while earning money. Live videos and interactive content let creators build deeper, more personal connections with their audience.
But here’s the twist: Not every creator gets paid. To qualify, they must meet specific performance goals and complete challenging tasks. In trying to meet those targets, many creators start posting low-quality or even harmful content just to stay relevant or boost engagement.
Some resort to sharing overly personal moments, including private family matters. It’s not uncommon to see people uploading emotional videos about deceased relatives or revealing too much about their daily lives. Nudity, violence, and clickbait have also become common. The pressure to perform can lead to poor decisions and exploitative behavior. Some content creators overshare personal details, including sensitive family matters, for engagement. Emotional videos about deceased relatives, personal disputes, and even nudity, violence, and clickbait have become commonplace. Many content creators have also faced excessive trolling, which can negatively impact their mental health.
Extreme Incidents for Engagement
Here are some incidents where Facebook users went to extremes to gain engagement:
1. Fatal Stunt on Purvanchal Expressway
In October 2022, a tragic accident occurred on the Purvanchal Expressway in India. Occupants of a BMW sedan livestreamed themselves speeding at more than 200 km/h on Facebook. Moments later, the vehicle crashed, killing all four passengers. The incident highlighted the dangers of reckless driving behaviors promoted on social media platforms.
2. Photographer’s Murder Livestreamed
In Sanford, Florida, photographer Lauren Ashley Martin was allegedly shot and killed by Savon Chantay Tyler following a dispute over photographs. Tyler’s girlfriend, Lakevia Davonna Pringle, reportedly livestreamed the aftermath on social media. Both suspects faced serious charges, underscoring the misuse of social media to broadcast violent acts.
3. Dangerous Bridge Jumping Stunt
A group of individuals recorded themselves jumping from the 30-meter-high Dickabram Bridge into the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. The video, posted on Facebook, garnered significant attention. Authorities warned that such dangerous stunts could lead to severe injuries or fatalities and indicated potential legal consequences for those involved.
The Privacy Risk: Data Breaches
Data breaches can expose sensitive personal information, including names, email addresses, locations, and even financial details. In 2019, data from more than 530 million Facebook users—including phone numbers and other private information—was leaked online. The breach did not result from hacking but from scraping public profiles.
In another case, a third-party app accessed users’ photos, including unpublished ones. The real danger isn’t just data collection but its potential misuse, whether through leaks, sales, or unauthorized access. Social media platforms like Facebook have blurred the line between creator and consumer, offering monetization opportunities while also pressuring users to trade privacy for engagement. Consumers must stay mindful of what they watch and share, and creators should carefully consider the cost of exposing their personal lives for clicks and revenue.
Brain Rotting and Its Impact on Mental Health
Excessive social media use is often linked to cognitive decline, commonly referred to as “brain rotting.” It promotes passive consumption, shortens attention spans, and weakens problem-solving abilities. Additionally, it contributes to anxiety and depression due to constant comparisons, cyberbullying, and dopamine-driven addiction. The endless scrolling encouraged by these platforms disrupts sleep, fuels FOMO (fear of missing out), and leaves users feeling unfulfilled.
Short-form content conditions the brain for instant gratification, making deep focus and sustained attention more difficult. However, social media also has positive aspects—it raises mental health awareness, provides support networks, offers educational content, and fosters creativity.
To counteract its negative effects, users can set screen time limits, curate positive content, take regular social media detoxes, engage in offline activities, and practice mindful usage. Striking a healthy balance between the digital and real world is key to preventing cognitive decline while still benefiting from social media’s advantages.
After all, when something is free, the real cost might be hidden in plain sight.
About the Author:
Rashmi Rekha Das is a digital marketer with extensive experience in startups based in Bangalore. Passionate about digital trends, she writes to create awareness about the effects of social media and online monetization.
