Chapter 1: The Evening Reflection

As the clock strikes eight, I find myself at the dining table alongside my daughter, who is busy with her homework while I compose this article. My thoughts come to a halt as I grapple with the title of my piece.

"Why did you suddenly stop typing?" she inquires, her curiosity evident.

"I’ve covered the main points, and now I’m considering the title," I reply.

"Why does that matter?" she asks, intrigued.

"In platforms like Medium, countless individuals are competing for attention. To be noticed, your headline must be compelling," I explain.

She contemplates this, her brow furrowed in thought. I feel a sense of pride; she’s absorbing real-world lessons alongside her studies. Then, she surprises me with her next question.

"Isn't that the same approach they use on TikTok?"

"And didn’t you say TikTok is … BADDD ...?" she adds.

Wow, that took an unexpected turn! But she raises a valid point.

A study conducted by Microsoft back in 2015 revealed that people's attention spans typically wane after just eight seconds. While that may seem decent, it’s a stark contrast to 2000, when the average attention span was measured at twelve seconds, marking a decline of 33% over just fifteen years. Coincidentally, this period aligns with the onset of the mobile revolution.

With our current attention span at eight seconds, even goldfish have us beat by a second! Imagine standing in front of a fish tank to feed them, only to forget your purpose after a moment.

"So does this mean writing for Medium is akin to posting on TikTok?" she queries.

That’s a loaded question. At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss the comparison, perhaps even chuckle at it. However, successful writing on Medium—or anywhere—often adheres to certain 'formulas.'

Primarily, a captivating title is essential to draw readers in. Following that, you need engaging content to keep them hooked until the last word.

I embrace her challenge to explore the idea of whether writing for Medium mirrors TikTok posting. If we’re employing attention-grabbing techniques in our writing, doesn’t that suggest we’re conditioning readers to be selective in their reading habits? Isn’t that somewhat manipulative?

Unfortunately, even if you choose not to engage in these tactics, many others have been doing so for a long time. The landscape has undeniably shifted.

Consider this: a few years back, attempting something viral like licking a toilet bowl would likely result in parental consequences. Today, however, the more outrageous the idea, the greater the chance of going viral. As a Gen X parent, it’s perplexing to witness young individuals achieving wealth from such ridiculous antics.

Returning to Medium, I can’t help but wonder what’s happening on the platform. As I browse for stories, I frequently encounter articles focused on Medium itself—how to succeed, earn money, and receive advice about the platform. Isn’t it meant to be a space for storytelling?

The sharing of personal journeys, both highs and lows?

To answer your question, my dear cub, whether Medium is evolving into the next TikTok will depend on our choices as writers. Will we write or fade into obscurity? The future remains uncertain.

April 2024.

Section 1.1: The Impact of Attention Span

As our attention spans diminish, the competition for engagement intensifies. This prompts a reevaluation of how we connect with our audience.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Shift in Content Creation

Chapter 2: The Future of Medium

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