Any gamer or regular app user already know what microtransactions are. I believe we all share a common frustration when we have to pay a hefty cash to get a loot box or virtual items which could potentially make our user experience a lot easier.
Actually, I had the same experience the other day with a music production app that I'm currently playing with. I was about to loop a particular sound effect when I realized that I had to purchase this effect even after buying the app.
Normally, I tend to find the irony in most situations I find myself. Taking a broad look and letting go of my frustration, I found some interesting similarities between microtransaction in our digital world and real life.
There are some parallels that can be drawn between games and real life, we've all heard several philosophies surrounding the term, "life is just a game".
There is some element of truth in this kind of philosophy because the idea of games, digital applications and the culture surrounding it is heavily influenced by real-life.
Our digital world is indeed a projection of real life surrounding us. This is a short video of Elon Musk talking about the concept of games and virtual realities in relation to real life.
The conversation later shifts into possibilities of us being in a simulation but that is beside my point. As time progresses we have found ways to mimic or project elements of real life into games and digital applications.
This brings me back to my original thought about microtransactions in our digital world, most people believe that such transaction kills user experience, but having a bit of self-reflection, we also have micro-transactions in real life.
I believe that we've gradually projected such real-life microtransactions into our digital world
I'm sure that once upon a time we didn't have anything like in-app transactions and intrusive ads.
But what are micro-transactions of life you say? I think they can be found by taking a closer look at common philosophies found all around us.
There are few instances where common philosophies and the digital world merge and reflect on each other.
"Not all fingers are equal" This is a common proverb that we've heard one way or the other. We came into this world with default morals instilled in us that if we work hard just enough, we will make it in life.
As we go through life's journey we begin to realize that, hard-work doesn't always guarantee success.
Most of the richest people in the world are not the most hard-working, in fact, their work is more enjoyable, less exploitative and more rewarding than the common man.
We also begin to realize that not everyone is born with the same factors or qualities that guarantee success. Some are born with a silver spoon and have their path already paved for them, while others are still struggling to pave there own path.
There is also a reflection of this in our digital world, most especially in gaming, user experience and ease is not usually determined by how many hours you spend gathering points and rank, a new user could just pay for those things and gain an advantage over you. Such real-life parameters have been infused into our digital world.
Anyone that spends at least a month on steemit will also realize that this philosophy is also true in our digital eco-system.
In conclusion, Microtransactions of life, are just ways in which some people possess an edge over others, irrespective of hard work or creativity. Our digital world is becoming a mirror reflection of that.
Some people have been able to hack or cheat there way through life's microtransactions, some people have been able to find loopholes in it. There are others that are still taking their time with it and facing it head on.
In some ways, life is not just a game, we a living and breathing the game.
Thanks for reading guys, what are your thoughts about this, what are your experiences with life's micro-transactions.
THOUGHT SERIES
DEDICATED TO THE UNDERDOG
THE UNLUCKY LUCK
I LOVE THE BEGINNER'S MIND
IT'S OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP
