A friend of mine created a TikTok video that has been viewed over 20 million times. The total watch time for the video is approximately 70,000 hours. When he shared this with me, I realized how impactful this truly was. It’s like hiring someone to watch the same video repeatedly for almost five years straight.
This realization opened my eyes to why people are so drawn to creating content and why platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram hold so much power. These platforms don't just entertain; they harness our attention on an unprecedented scale.
I've always tried to escape what I call "freedom traps" — things like money, addiction, and fears. But one trap I had never really recognized before was where I direct my attention. Giving my attention to something is more than a passive act; it’s an opportunity for someone or something to shape my brain. Through neuroplasticity, this process can alter how my mind works, sometimes in ways that limit my freedom of thought.