Live Streaming: It's Complicated

So, I've been meaning to write about live streaming for a while. It's kind of taken over, isn't it? I mean, everywhere I look, someone is streaming something. My niece even live-streamed her hamster the other day. A hamster! And you know what? It had around 50 viewers! What a world we live in, right?

I have to admit that I'm torn about this whole thing. On the one hand, it's quite wonderful that anyone can simply pick up a phone and broadcast to the globe. When I was younger, the concept of appearing on television seemed like a distant dream. Now? It's as if everyone had their own channel.

Let's call him Mike. He used to work at the local store and always looked gloomy. He now livestreams himself playing video games every night. And get this: he's actually making a decent living! Enough to make him want to quit his work. Part of me is thinking, "Good for you, Mike!" But another part of me wonders, "Is this really what we've come to?"

Don't get me wrong; I'm not a grouchy old man swinging his fist at the clouds. I've watched a decent number of streams. There's one food channel I'm obsessed with. This grandmother prepares the best pasta dishes and is also really funny. I've learnt more from her than I ever did from gourmet cookery.

But there's another side to it. I was scrolling through some streaming platform the other night (don't ask me which one; there are too many to keep track of), when I noticed this young girl, who couldn't have been more than 16, performing this strange dance for tips. It made me feel... uncomfortable? Sad? Is this what youngsters believe they need to do to be successful today?

And don't even get me started on the "influencer" phenomenon. Since when has becoming an influencer become a career goal? I can't believe I just said, "Back in my day." When did I become so old?

But, on a serious note, I do worry sometimes. Are we building a world where everyone is constantly performing? Where we're all simply trying to acquire likes and followers rather than, like, actually living?

Then again, who am I to judge? If it makes people happy and helps them pay their bills, is that okay? I mean, I spend the most of my day staring at a computer screen for work. Is that actually any better?

I guess what I'm saying is that it's complicated. Live streaming is only a tool, correct? It, like anything else, can be utilized for good or bad purposes. I've witnessed streams that educate, bring people together, and make them laugh. And I've seen streams that, let's just say, don't exactly restore one's faith in humanity.

At the end of the day, perhaps it is up to us. After all, we're keeping an eye on things. Perhaps instead of worrying about what everyone else is streaming, we should consider what we choose to watch. And if you're considering becoming a streamer yourself? Okay, just be yourself. The world does not need another individual performing insane stunts for views. However, it could always use more genuine, intriguing people who share their enthusiasm.

Anyway, these are just some random ideas. What do you all think? Am I completely off base here? Please let me know in the comments. And if you have any cool streams to recommend, please send them my way. Just, maybe no more hamsters. I believe I've had enough of those for a while.