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Learning From Content Creators

March 15, 2021

In the digital age of today, pretty much everyone is on social media. Having a social media account typically goes hand in hand with posting content on at least one platform. By posting content, we are all “content creators.” Sharing our passions with the Internet world can be scary, but this post is here to remind you that your content matters.

There is an assortment of content on the Internet ranging from short films on YouTube, photography on Instagram, and – most recently where I have been spending all my time – songwriting videos on TikTok. We see hundreds of other people’s creations every day and usually, they are pretty impressive. However, with the amount of media we consume daily combined with the ease of anyone creating and posting their own content, it can be easy to get lost in the noise. Whether that means feeling inadequate in comparison to others or not “going viral” from your best work, these thoughts are valid.

Sometimes the content we see is exactly the content we are striving to create. Unfortunately, this is not always encouraging. I enjoy writing poems, journaling, my own thoughts that make me laugh, but mainly song lyrics. Thanks to TikTok, I have been exposed to so many talented creators in my favorite area of writing. I love seeing the ingenuity of the lyrics, the complexity of the metaphors, and the variety of the melodies. I see these videos and feel inspired to write something that is of equal finesse.

However, the cycle of scrolling, being inspired, creating, and ultimately comparing is relentless, harsh, and unforgiving. Too many times I find myself sitting down to write something then comparing it to the original inspiration, before eventually getting frustrated and giving up. If you have ever tried to create something, you know the feeling of staring at the wall out of disappointment in yourself for not producing something world changing. Using other content as a muse is part of the process but comparing your work to someone else’s should not be.

Is it getting too real? Good news: this next part is where the wisdom shows up. When creating content, it is important to ask yourself two questions. 1. Why are you creating it? 2. Are you proud of it? By answering these questions, you can determine if your content truly matters. (Hint: it does!)

The first question is important because it addresses the purpose of the content. This helps to identify the motives behind the creation. If the content is simply to gain followers, likes, or comments, it probably should not be a main focus. The project should have real value. This value could just mean you are creating it to channel emotions. It could also be for school or a job and its purpose is to get a good grade or earn a paycheck. Either way, there should be a true purpose behind any content you create. Content with no purpose will not be satisfying.

The second question is arguably more important than the first, but should not be the only one answered. No matter the reason behind the content, it should ultimately be something you are proud to put your name on. It most likely took a lot of time, energy, and thought to create the final product. Only you know what the process was like during the development of the project. At the end of it, the result should bear your name with pride, and you should be excited to share it.

The outcome of comparisons to other creators is usually one of discouragement and a lowered self-esteem. Looking at such impressive content can produce thoughts of, “Why do I even try?” “They are so much better than me.” “I will never be that good.” This can lead to a downward spiral of self-doubt and insecurity. It is time to change that internal monologue.

Instead of approaching “better” content with such a negative mindset, try to flip the narrative. Look at the content deeper. Evaluate what makes it so good and how you can use some of the techniques in your own work. Start viewing other content as a student willing to learn rather than a critic of your own products. Have the new thought process of, “What did I like about what they did?” “How can I better myself to be on that level?” “What goals are they hitting that I can set for myself?”

During the creative process, it is crucial to remember that not every single piece of content has to be a groundbreaking masterpiece. Some days you are going to sit down and create something that is just plain bad. That is OKAY! Brainstorming is part of the journey. Something was still created. It is less important to make something “good” than it is to just create. So, go out there and make something you are proud of!


 

Written by: Anna Pender

Anna is a Senior Strategic Communications major. She is thankful to have the opportunity to write for the blog because it gives her a chance to explore and write about topics and events that she is passionate about and that are relevant to the world. She loves getting to be creative and share her personality through writing.