Why engagement metrics no longer guarantee influence

Today's episode explores the changing dynamics among artificial intelligence, social media algorithms, and the future of journalism. A key problem facing creators, marketers, and brands is the increasing decoupling of vanity metrics from actual, meaningful influence. Simply put, 1 million "Likes" is not the same as driving 1,000 intended outcomes, especially as algorithms shift towards passive consumption and "hollow" virality. In this episode of Ctrl Alt Society, we deconstruct why the core signals of the "engagement economy" have broken.