We’re all “creators”

I am on the email list for a Cincinnati ad agency specializing in social media. No shade to that agency (I signed up for the newsletter), but the general use of the term “creator” in relation to social media sticks in my craw a bit.

Here’s an excerpt from the newsletter:

it’s not just there, it’s everywhere.

If you have carved out a niche — or even a career — on social media, then God bless, and more power to you.

But if you’re just doing “unboxing” videos or livestreaming your video games, what have you created, really? And take that times 10 for anyone simply preening for the camera, knowing that the algorithm will deliver eyeballs for eye candy.

And if you’re not on social media, but you write, or paint, or sculpt, or draw, or sing, or dance… you’re a creator.

Heck, even if your creations are outside the realm of the traditional arts, you’re still a creator. Planting a garden makes you a creator. Decorating a cake for a kid’s birthday (and not as part of some cooking challenge) makes you a creator. Hanging drywall makes you a creator (and keeps you in demand long after social media trends have turned).

We’re all creators. Don’t cede that title to the folks that are mostly in it to monetize your eyeballs.