← all ideas

Admitting Steroids: Respect Levels

The idea

The idea is that authenticity in content, especially in the realm of fitness and health, trumps any form of content automation or AI-generated scripts. When someone is upfront about their experiences, struggles, and preferences, they often elicit more genuine engagement and respect from their audience. This idea holds true for platforms like Instagram, where followers appreciate authenticity more than seeing content that appears to be perfectly crafted by AI. The argument is that viewers are more likely to connect with and admire content that reflects the individual behind the posts, rather than content that seems overly polished or impersonal.

Why it works

• Admitting personal passions or struggles can attract genuine engagement, as seen in the example of Sam Sullick and Bobby Atoff.
• Human connection often trumps artificial content, as demonstrated by data showing over 40% higher engagement for human-generated content.
• Authenticity in content can foster a stronger community and a more positive online environment, as evidenced by the supportive and loving interactions around content from disabled or autistic individuals.

The playbook

1. Embrace Authenticity: Recognize that authenticity is not just a buzzword but a key factor in content engagement. Focus on sharing content that reflects your true self, rather than relying solely on AI-generated scripts. The argument is that human-generated content often receives over 40% higher engagement rates compared to AI-generated posts, according to a Sprout Social study. This means when you're posting, aim to be genuine and real.

1. Be Vulnerable: If you choose to use AI for content creation, do so by incorporating it into your authentic voice. For instance, if you love talking about steroids, incorporate that love in your AI-generated scripts. The idea is not to fake your authenticity, but to blend AI with your genuine personality to create a more engaging and relatable content.

1. Focus on Your Passion: Identify your true passions and interests. Use AI to help you explore and create content around these areas, but ensure the content remains true to your personal interests and values. This will make your audience more engaged and less likely to feel manipulated.

1. Engage with Your Audience: Authenticity isn't just about what you create but how you interact with your audience. Respond to comments genuinely, show empathy, and be open about your experiences. This builds a stronger connection with your audience, making them more loyal and invested in your content.

1. Experiment and Evolve: Keep experimenting with different content styles and formats. Use AI to help you explore new ideas and techniques, but don't rely on it blindly. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your content, and adjust your strategy accordingly. The key is to find a balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining genuine, authentic content.

Where people get it wrong

The argument highlights several failure modes when it comes to authenticity and respect. One is failing to see the value in human-generated content over AI-generated posts, as AI can lack the genuine touch that resonates with audiences. Another is the overreliance on automation, which can be seen as a shortcut rather than an integral part of one's content strategy. Lastly, the argument points out the importance of honesty, whether it's about personal experiences or the use of substances like steroids, which can be seen as a form of bragging or a cover-up when not done authentically. Instead of automating content to the point of losing authenticity, one should focus on creating genuine, human-driven content that builds trust and respect. When discussing controversial topics or personal substances, it's crucial to be transparent and authentic, ensuring the content genuinely reflects the creator's voice and values.

Do this next

• Start by reflecting on your own content. Identify areas where you might be using automation rather than authentic sharing. Begin by reviewing the last 5 posts or messages you sent and consider whether they could have been better suited to human-generated content.

• Next, focus on your next 10 posts or messages. Instead of relying solely on automation, incorporate at least 2 pieces of content that you personally wrote or edited. This will help you gauge how your voice and personality resonate with your audience.

• To further enhance your authenticity, start a daily habit of writing down 5-7 notes or thoughts you have. These could be about your day, a recent event, or a personal reflection. Share these snippets regularly, not as full posts, but as brief, engaging pieces that you’ve written yourself.

• Finally, schedule a weekly time to engage with your comments section. Instead of just sending automated responses, choose to read through recent comments and select a few to reply to personally. This shows you are actively listening and interacting with your community.