I Stopped "Creating Content"
Author Michael Lynch critiques the modern trend of labeling all creative work as 'content,' arguing that the term commoditizes art and devalues human expression. He contrasts the 'content creator' mindset with the enduring value of historical masterpieces like Michelangelo's David.
Why it matters
The essay challenges the prevailing business-centric view of the internet and highlights the cultural tension between artistic creation and digital engagement metrics.
by Michael Lynch , published July 20, 2026
The first time I saw Michelangelo's David in person, I wept. Never in my life have I witnessed a more beautiful piece of content.
I wasn't the only one who felt that way. Museum patrons all around me were looking up from their phones to admire David as well. Despite it being legacy content, David was so scrollstoppingly captivating that it generated stronger engagement than TikTok and Instagram combined, despite those platforms offering fresher, more personally relevant content.
My awe only grew when I noticed the museum gift shop converting 60% of its traffic, numbers that would make any content creator salivate.
If you read the first few paragraphs of this post and found yourself nodding in agreement, I regret to inform you that you're a LinkedIn spambot.
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