Introduction

People chase status just like money. This article explains how social media works more like a game where we earn “status points” than just a tool for staying in touch.

What's the problem it solves?

It explains why social networks grow fast, then lose users-because people want to earn attention, and when that gets harder or less valuable, they leave. It also shows why copying other platforms rarely works.

Quick Summary

Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram succeed not just because they’re useful, but because they let people earn status-like getting followers, likes, or going viral. That status doesn’t come free; you have to “prove your worth” by making cool videos, funny tweets, or nice photos. This is called “proof of work”-it’s what makes your content earn attention.

Platforms that understand this create games for people to play. Instagram had filters, Vine had short videos, and TikTok had dance challenges. If users feel they can win the status game early and easily, they stick around. But if too many people join, or the rules get copied by another app, the game stops feeling special, and people move on.

Just like how money loses value when too much is printed, social status can lose value if everyone can get it too easily, or if the platform doesn’t reward new users enough. Platforms need to constantly create new ways for people to earn status and feel like it’s worth the effort-otherwise users leave for the next shiny thing.

Key Takeaways from the Article

• People are wired to chase social status just like they chase money.
• Social networks grow by offering new ways for users to gain status (likes, followers, shares).
• “Proof of work” makes that status valuable. If it’s too easy, no one cares.
• Early users often win big. Late users struggle unless they bring fame from somewhere else.
• Copying features from other networks rarely works unless you also change the “status game.”
• Platforms that don’t reward users enough, or let old users hoard status, end up losing relevance.
• TikTok changed the game by using an algorithm to give new users a chance to go viral fast.
• Status is not endless-if people can’t earn it anymore, or if everyone gets it, the whole thing collapses.
• Smart platforms like Instagram keep adding new “levels” to the game (Stories, Reels) to keep people engaged.
• Young people lead these networks because they have less to lose, more time, and more hunger for social capital.