The Power of Obvious Advice and the Rise of Recommendation Media

The Power of Obvious Advice and the Rise of Recommendation Media

In a world full of information and advice, it's easy to overlook the obvious. We often seek out counterintuitive tips and tricks, thinking that they hold the key to success or enlightenment. However, Scott H Young reminds us that good advice is often "obvious." It may not be groundbreaking or revolutionary, but it can still be incredibly valuable.

But why is obvious advice so important? Well, it turns out that our intuitions can be deceiving. We judge obviousness not by whether the information is new, but by whether it goes against our intuitions. Unfortunately, our intuitions are often fuzzy, leading us to believe in scenarios that seem plausible but are actually far from the truth. This is why we need to focus on the basics and seek out advice that may seem obvious but is grounded in reality.

Take, for example, the success story of James Clear, the author of the best-selling book "Atomic Habits." When asked about his strategy for promoting his book, Clear revealed that he had been a guest on over 200 podcasts in the first six months of the book's launch. Additionally, around 80 of these podcasts were released in the first week alone. Now, this may not come as a surprise to many people, as it is a well-known tactic for book promotion. However, what sets Clear apart is that he actually took action and followed through on this advice, while many others simply overlook it.

This brings us to the topic of social media and its evolution. We are witnessing the end of traditional social media platforms as we know them. TikTok and YouTube, along with other recommendation media platforms, are taking the reins and revolutionizing content distribution on the internet. These platforms prioritize carefully curated, algorithmic experiences that deliver the perfect content to the right people at the right time.

In traditional social media, creators hold the power. It becomes a competition based on popularity rather than the quality of content. The bigger the following, the greater the potential for distribution and influence. However, this system also allows for the spread of problematic content and the formation of echo chambers. Diversity of thought is at a disadvantage, as social networks are designed to cater to clusters of connected individuals.

On the other hand, recommendation media flips the script. It is not a popularity contest but rather a competition based on the absolute best content. The algorithm becomes the ultimate decision-maker, optimizing content distribution for engagement. This results in highly efficient consumption patterns and minimal waste in users' feeds.

The rise of recommendation media has also impacted the way creators engage with their audience. While they can still utilize traditional social media platforms to drive engagement, the focus has shifted towards recommendation media platforms. TikTok, in particular, has been instrumental in popularizing algorithmic content distribution. Creators can now share their content to networks where they already have established audiences, such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

This shift in the media landscape also highlights the vulnerability of traditional social networks. The underlying data that powers these platforms, the social graph, has become commoditized. In recommendation media, the platform with the best machine learning capabilities takes the lead. The ability to match the perfect content with each individual user requires an extensive pool of content. This can only be achieved through an open creation platform where users can actively contribute and create content.

As we look to the future, it's clear that synthetic media and AI content creation will play a significant role in recommendation media. Platforms will continue to invest in these technologies to deliver even more tailored content to their users.

So, what can we learn from this shift in media dynamics? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace the power of obvious advice: Don't overlook the basics. Sometimes the most valuable insights are hiding in plain sight. Take action on advice that may seem obvious but is grounded in reality.

2. Explore recommendation media platforms: While traditional social media still holds some relevance, it's essential to familiarize yourself with recommendation media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Understand their algorithms and leverage them to reach your target audience.

3. Become an active creator: If you want to have a significant impact in recommendation media, consider becoming a content creator on open creation platforms. Contribute to the vast ocean of content and increase your chances of matching with the right users.

In conclusion, the power of obvious advice should not be underestimated. It's not about discovering secrets or following counterintuitive tips. Instead, it's about finding the right path based on solid, foundational knowledge. As recommendation media continues to rise, creators and users alike must adapt to this new landscape. Embrace the algorithm, engage with the right platforms, and actively contribute to the creation of content. The future of media is here, and it's time to make the most of it.