Influence or Infamy Does Being Controversial Pay Better Than Being Talented

In an attention-driven entertainment economy where online arguments can attract millions of views, controversy is increasingly becoming a route to visibility. But does being talked about necessarily translate into money, influence or a lasting career?
Burna Boy Shakira performing their hit collaborative single “Dai Dai” live on stage.
On social media, a carefully produced music video, an insightful interview or a well-written piece of content may compete for attention with a celebrity quarrel or a provocative online statement. Yet, quite often, it is the quarrel that takes over timelines, generates thousands of comments and finds its way onto entertainment blogs.

The contrast rais...