ZE23 is currently taking the SocialFi world by storm. It wants to be the Robin Hood of Web3 taking resources from the Web2 monopolists and redistributing them to the network’s users. Z3 tokens are distributed via a groundbreaking Solana-based “Time Mining” concept. Fans-only sale Fans earn 50% of all tokens, creators earn 40%, and platform keeps 10%. Is this punitive reward system truly the epitome of equity? Or does it simply shift the balance of power and create unforeseen problems in new ways? That's what we need to talk about.
Fairness Redefined Or Just Rebranded?
The immediate appeal is clear: break free from the centralized control of platforms like TikTok, where creators and viewers alike are undervalued. ZE23 flips the script, seemingly. Let's dissect that 50/40/10 split. Giving creators 40% might sound better than the crumbs they typically get today, but is it really enough? Even more importantly, it’s based on whose value is assigned to that 40%. A fancy AI algorithm. Though efficient, algorithms are only as unbiased as the data they’re fed. Imagine if the algorithm was quietly biased against content from BIPOC creators or creators with disabilities, for example, reinforcing harmful biases. This is not to question the intention of ZE23, but rather the impact of its directives on systems.
What of that 50% to the fans. Sounds great, right? Wait, isn’t this the same thing as paying people to watch videos? Here are three reasons why you should pursue high-quality content. I mean, hey, it’s not like you make money per cat video viewed! Are we really rewarding authentic engagement, or are we only rewarding short-term incentives to promote mindless scrolling.
The Platform's Cut: A Necessary Evil?
As ugly as a 10% cut for ZE23 may seem, that’s not the real elephant in the room. Every system needs funding, of course. But how is this 10% used? Is it truly transparent? Is that money being reinvested into the platform to improve user experience and ensure long-term sustainability? Or does that money just line the founders’ pockets? Trust, but verify. We’ve watched too many “decentralized” projects turn into centralized corporate power grabs. Even a small percentage increase would make a huge difference.
This model is predicated entirely on the long-term appreciation of the Z3 token. As soon as the value of the token crashes, these rewards are worthless, and the whole scheme implodes. Are users really value rewarded for their time and attention? Or are they simply being nudged to help uphold the value of a speculative asset?
This all felt like the early days of venture capital. Everybody’s grandma could get their name on the list, but there were very few projects that actually built what they said they were going to build. ZE23 isn’t bad in and of itself, but we should have our eyes open to its realistic chances of thriving.
Monetizing Attention: Ethical Minefield?
The underlying idea behind “Time Mining” introduces a host of troubling ethics concerns. Are we really rewarding the best contributions, or are we just buying attention—good or bad—wherever it may be found. Does this incentivize the creation of superficial, sensational, or even harmful content designed to grab eyeballs and maximize Z3 token earnings?
Think about it: the most viral content isn't always the most informative or enriching. It’s usually the most radical, incendiary, or tear-jerking. If ZE23 focuses on attention at all costs, it may unwittingly trigger a race to the bottom. In this worst case, the most radical and toxic content would inevitably rise to the surface.
We should be deeply concerned about the long-term societal impact of a system that directly commodifies our attention. In the end, are we just designing a generation of dopamine-addicted consumers, always on the hunt for that next hit of Z3 tokens? In the process, aren’t we just further eroding our attention spans and making it harder to truly focus on the most meaningful work and relationships? This is related not only to the governance of distributed blockchain networks like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but to the future of our society.
Gaming The System: Is It Preventable?
Third, and perhaps most importantly, the danger of manipulation is a very real concern. But savvy users will always find ways to game the system to maximize their rewards. Bot farms might be used to manufacture fraudulent views and engagement. Sybil attacks, where a malicious user creates many accounts to gain an advantage, could be done to create a much greater earnings potential.
Here is how ZE23 can stop this sort of abuse. The AI algorithm would have to be super smart and perpetually tuned to be ahead of the curve. The most sophisticated algorithm will always be exploitable.
The bigger question is how does ZE23 balance the need for security and fairness with the desire for decentralization and user autonomy? Overreach can hinder practical development, sap creativity, and compromise the fundamental tenets of blockchain technology. Too much control facilitates abuse and further damages the spirit of the program. It's a tightrope walk.
ZE23 offers a compelling glimpse of what could be the future of SocialFi. It addresses a real problem: the inequitable distribution of value in Web2 social media. The potential is indeed huge, but we just can’t take for granted that we’ll figure it out and that will be a panacea. This will require us to ask hard questions, insist upon transparency, and hold the platform accountable.
The success of ZE23 will depend on how well it can level the playing field. It needs to be transparent, reproducible, and above all, scientifically sound. It should be sustainable, ethical, and not easily gamed. Only time will tell if it can successfully walk the talk to reach this ambitious goal. Don't be blinded by the hype. So do some due diligence and critical thinking before you get on the hype train.
Ultimately, the success of ZE23 will depend on its ability to create a system that is not only fair, but also sustainable, ethical, and resistant to manipulation. Only time will tell if it can achieve this ambitious goal. Don't be blinded by the hype. Do your own research, and think critically before jumping on the bandwagon.
And remember, there is no free lunch.
