If you don’t pay people for the work they do, why the hell do you think they should keep doing it? This ongoing abuse of labor is especially glaring in the world of social media and independent news outlets. Creators pour their time, energy, and creativity into projects, only to receive a pat on the back or, worse, nothing at all. The reality is that without fair compensation, we risk losing the very voices that challenge corporate narratives and provide the information necessary to be informed citizens.

To the retail consumer, let’s get real: you depend on social media creators for entertainment, news, and diverse perspectives. These creators dive deep into stories, revealing truths that many mainstream outlets choose to ignore. But if they can’t make a living from their work, they’ll walk away, leaving you to consume only the sanitized, corporate-approved content that you are served on a silver platter. Thanks to this exploitative environment, you risk living in a bubble, fed only the narratives that fuel corporate interests.

Consider this: how often do you scroll through your feed and engage with posts that move you, inform you, or challenge you? Each of those posts represents someone’s labor—someone who may be struggling to pay their bills while delivering valuable content for free. The energy and passion these creators pour into their craft go unrecognized by the very companies that benefit from their reach. It’s a travesty, and you—the consumer—must hold these corporate giants accountable. Without independent voices, you’re left with a skewed view of reality, manipulated by those who own the media.

And to the corporate employers who siphon off this creativity without properly compensating the creators involved: shame on you! You’re reaping profits while squeezing every last drop of innovation from independent journalists and social media influencers. This isn’t just exploitative; it’s morally bankrupt. You may pretend to champion creativity and innovation, all while engaging in a culture of underpayment and neglect. Your desire for profit should not come at the expense of someone else’s livelihood.

Let’s be clear: without adequate compensation for social media creators and independent journalists, you are actively contributing to the erosion of media integrity. You run the risk of allowing monolithic corporate agendas to dictate what you see and hear. God help you if you believe that the corporate-controlled narrative represents the whole truth. You are not just turning a blind eye; you are actively participating in a system that stifles diversity and truth.

The wrath of the public is something you should fear. If the creators disappear, so does the democratic discourse that is essential for a functioning society. You think you’ll get by with the same old narratives? Think again! The voices that challenge you, that expose truths the powerful want hidden, are worth fighting for.

It’s time for consumers to demand change. Refuse to support brands that exploit creators. Highlight and uplift independent voices that daringly challenge the status quo. In doing so, you protect not just the creators—the pulse and heart of our media landscape—but you also safeguard your own access to true, unfiltered information.

The clock is ticking. Stand up, speak out, and make it abundantly clear: we will not tolerate the theft of our labor any longer. Your cozy corner of the USA relies on the truth and diversity that only independent voices can provide—let’s fight to keep them alive.