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3 articles explore this thread.
On algorithmic platforms, distribution is earned by predicted engagement, not by human-judged quality. This article explains why the reward function favors loud content and what quality creators can do about it.
Examines how follower inequality and algorithmic seeding create a Matthew effect in creator markets, making reach itself the scarce resource and leaving quality content without distribution.
Uses the history of the penny press, radio, television, and early internet to show that attention markets follow a recurring pattern, and that the current feed economy is the latest version of an old bargain.