Section 1.1: The Authenticity Question

We need to consider: When writing becomes monetized, does it retain its authenticity? To gain fame on this platform, one must establish connections with others, but are these connections genuine?

Reflecting on this, I often feel compelled to advise newcomers to Medium: if your aspiration is to be a true writer, this may not be the right environment for you. Why? Because the content here tends to be succinct and easily digestible, akin to the articles we read in childhood magazines.

Anyone can write here, much like on any social media platform. I fear I may be falling into that same trap, even as I pen this critique. Distinguishing quality from mediocrity isn’t overly complicated, but discovering valuable content is the real challenge.

Your capacity to craft a well-structured narrative, complete with a coherent beginning, middle, and end, will likely be diminished. There’s little time to reflect, as reading and writing have become rushed affairs.

Why is this the case? Because thoughtful writing isn’t embraced here—I’m being completely serious.

Section 1.2: The Monetary Incentive

Even with an advanced degree in political science, academic discourse finds little footing on Medium—at least if attracting readers is your goal. You can express whatever thoughts you wish, but why would it matter if no one is listening?

Speaking from my experience, articles I’ve composed that are genuinely insightful have earned me less than a dollar, while my less thoughtful pieces have gone viral.

Money matters

Get away

Secure a better job with a higher salary, and you’ll be fine

Money

It’s a rush

Seize that cash with both hands and stash it away:

Grateful to Pink Floyd for their timeless wisdom.

Section 2: The Snowball Effect of Easy Writing

An easy-thinking snowball forms: if readers are consuming this type of content, writers will gravitate toward simpler tricks and methods. Consequently, writers may find themselves dumbing down, and I fear that’s what’s happening to me. While I’ve made some income, I feel my intellectual rigor slipping away.

I initially wanted to explore thought-provoking topics—like the effects of pop culture, Middle Eastern politics, and the Israel-Palestine discourse—but why bother? Even I find myself weary as a reader. What is happening?

Thank you, Medium, and all social media platforms for transforming my brain into mush. It’s not just teenagers who are losing their intellect; adults have been quick to criticize the younger generation for their fixation on their devices.

Who placed those gadgets in their hands? Who should truly be held accountable?

What kind of examples are we setting for our children? Picture a mother advising her daughter:

“Write something trivial about the United States. Discuss presidents or critical race theory, but don’t bother with any real research. Just throw some ideas together without depth. You could even fabricate a story about how you made a fortune—add a disclaimer saying it was all in jest. Who cares? Readers will believe it, and you’ll profit.”

Isn’t that a brilliant approach? Meanwhile, the term "writer" has taken on a new meaning.

I’m off to work now, feeling that I’ve said enough about Medium. I’ll return to books and perhaps write about Israel and the ignorance we exhibit in understanding the situation there. I’m indifferent whether you read it or not.

Because, hey, you might label me anti-Semitic. But what if I told you I’m Jewish? Hmmm?

People are quite confused these days. If I advocate for Palestine, I’m deemed anti-Semitic. If I support critical race theory, I’m labeled something else entirely.

Farewell.