Final Response.

Being a content creator means wearing multiple hats; theoretically, we need to watch content to create it. There is a knowledge aspect to content creation, and that can only be done through consuming knowledge. Yes, anyone can turn on a camera and create something, but it takes expertise to do it with style.

There has been significant change throughout the years. Content creation has gotten easier and cheaper with smartphones, social media, and the internet. There is no need to provide a budget to create something anymore. No one needs the equipment needed to make a film 30 years ago. You can film, cut, and edit any footage you need to on the device in your pocket. Watching media, however, stays pretty constant. All you have to do is sit and watch. The analytical aspect is completely different though. After being involved in media classes for quite some time, I’ll say confidently that my eye has changed for how I create media. I’m able to shoot something, and back it up with applicable techniques.

The constant crowdsourcing and crowd-sharing of media have both pros and cons. These days, it’s easy to see how simple creating a piece of content is. With social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, it’s never been easier. There will be more collaboration and interest when it comes to certain niches within the media industry. Like the economy, however, more collaboration means more competition. Overall, this is a good thing. We want to see competition throughout the media industry. The problem lies in who controls the narrative. There is always going to be a higher power, and in the case of Instagram, we will continue to see problems if Mark Zuckerberg continues to hold those dials (especially relating to ad revenue). It all comes down to how much power society is willing to give to the social media founders.