The exchange of goods, whether for currency or other valued items, has been a fundamental aspect of human civilization for millennia. While pinpointing the exact origin of selling is difficult, trade is documented in many ancient cultures. Early forms date back to ancient Sumer around 3000 BCE, with civilizations like the Phoenicians, Greeks (in places like the Agora), and the Indus Valley civilization also developing significant trade networks involving goods ranging from textiles and food to precious metals and stones. Clearly, commerce has played a vital role in human development for thousands of years.

Historically, the items traded were typically gems, stones, textiles, and metals. Tragically, humans themselves became commodities in the regrettable slave trades recorded throughout history. This history represents a dark chapter, marked by the exploitation and forced labor of millions. It’s estimated that between the 16th and 19th centuries alone, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly transported approximately 12 million people from Africa to the Americas. Forms of slave trade also existed much earlier, documented in ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome, and Egypt, as well as in medieval Europe and the Arab world.

Why discuss slave trade now?

Is this a call for revolution? Yes.

Is it a call for revolution against the historical slave trade? No.

I am focusing on slave trade because I observe something disturbingly similar in contemporary societies across nearly all global cultures. While not marked by the same physical cruelty, it is nonetheless fearsome. The key difference today is that individuals are often sold not by rulers, powerful factions, or anarchists, but by themselves.

This assertion might immediately bring social media influencers and media professionals to mind, but the phenomenon extends further. Many of us feel an urge to “sell” ourselves to the world. Instead of showcasing our inherent qualities, we often end up marketing our very beings. Examine social media profiles: on the surface, they might appear as simple expressions of lifestyle, but a deeper look often reveals an underlying sense of self-commodification.

I recall an old regional movie where a clown performed before the king, hoping for a reward; the king would then toss some gold coins while the court laughed and clapped. Even in the recent Telugu movie RRR, a British oppressor is depicted purchasing a young girl simply because she sings beautifully. Fundamentally, things haven’t changed much. While gold coins may have transformed into likes and comments, and applause into shares, the dynamic often remains the same: the powerful still exhibit a thirst to “purchase” the entertaining weak, and the powerless feel a need to sell themselves for recognition or livelihood. Please do not mistake my analogy; I am not referring to genuine artists. There is a profound difference between an artist selling tickets to their comedy show and someone selling themselves to become, in essence, a personal slave comedian for a ruler.

When I witness people going to extremes in the pursuit of likes and followers, I hate that I, too, participate merely by observing this “reel trade.” Individuals engage in self-sabotaging acts, tear off clothing, apply absurd makeup, or digitally morph into animals—how much further must this desperate quest for attention go before we question it?

In recent years, the rise of social media has provided a platform for people to market not just products or services, but their own personas. From influencers and content creators to models and even everyday individuals, many are using these platforms to monetize their personal brand and sell their image.

This trend isn’t entirely new, but it has accelerated as social media platforms have become increasingly popular and accessible. Influencers, for instance, cultivate large followings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, leveraging their popularity to promote products and generate income through sponsored content.

Similarly, models and aspiring models utilize social media to display their portfolios and attract potential clients. By sharing photos and videos, they can capture the attention of brands and agencies seeking talent for advertising campaigns.

However, while marketing oneself on social media can be financially rewarding, it also carries risks. To attract “buyers,” individuals might feel pressured to project a specific online image or persona that doesn’t align with their authentic selves. Furthermore, the relentless pressure to create and share content can negatively impact mental health and well-being.

Moreover, issues of online safety and privacy arise. It is crucial for people to recognize these risks and implement measures to protect themselves and their personal information online. This prompts the question: “Are we becoming slaves who sell ourselves?”

But are the only concerns safety and the cultural degradation sometimes lamented by older generations? No. Today’s society champions self-pride and acceptance, evident in discussions surrounding body positivity, pride rights, and anti-racial discrimination. Yet, paradoxically, this same generation actively participates in selling themselves. Isn’t there a contradiction here? To explore this further, I observed people around me and on social media. Everything seems to point towards one underlying factor.

we are becoming commodities.