The house of straws: why betting on online platforms is a risky gamble

7 reasons to cultivate real-world stability

Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.”– African Proverb

In our techno culture era where content, data, and information reign supreme, and traditional job opportunities have been diminished by the rise of automation and AI, the appeal of earning a living online has never been more compelling. From influencers and digital artists to independent writers and streamers, the promise of building wealth and influence by producing online content seems like the modern gold rush. But beneath the glitter of virality lies a fragile foundation — one that can collapse at any moment. Online platforms are not the solid ground we think they are; they are houses of straw, vulnerable to forces beyond our control.

A few years ago, a former colleague of mine, on matrenity leave, was gung-ho about launching her own YouTube channel, convinced she could carve out a space in the bustling world of online content creation. She had seen countless examples — people casually applying makeup while sharing life advice or offering information on niche topics. To her, it seemed simple, almost effortless — the perfect side hustle while staying home with her newborn.