A Shift in Side Hustles

As traditional avenues for earning extra cash diminish, Generation Z is pivoting towards an unconventional source of income—selling their personal data. The rise of platforms like Verb.AI signals a new trend among young people, who are already spending significant portions of their day on mobile devices.

Introducing Verb.AI

Launched by the youth polling company Generation Lab, Verb.AI offers users financial compensation for their online activities. By installing a tracking application, users allow the platform to monitor their browsing, purchasing, and streaming habits, effectively creating a digital twin that is stored in a central database.

This data can then be accessed by businesses through a user-friendly interface, enabling companies to gain deeper insights into consumer preferences.

Revolutionizing Market Research

According to Generation Lab, the approach taken by Verb.AI is akin to modernizing traditional market research methods. “For decades, market research has been the equivalent of a doctor asking a patient to describe their symptoms. Verb is an MRI machine,” states the company’s pitch.

Compensation for Data

In return for their personal data, users can earn upwards of $50 per month, depending on their engagement with the app. This arrangement appears appealing, especially since many Gen Z respondents expressed openness to sharing personal information if adequately compensated—88% indicated a willingness to do so compared to 67% of older adults.

A study by Euromonitor International in 2022 highlights that this generation seeks fair compensation, whether through cash or personalized experiences.

Contradictory Attitudes Towards Privacy

Interestingly, even as Gen Z embraces monetizing their data, they exhibit a simultaneous concern for privacy. They frequently take steps such as clearing cookies and using encrypted communication—actions taken at double the rate of older demographics. Yet, a 2023 survey by Malwarebytes reveals that the younger generation is also more accepting of tracking by apps and websites than their older counterparts.

Cultural Context and Trends

The willingness of Gen Z to trade personal information for compensation is especially evident amid the regulatory scrutiny surrounding platforms like TikTok. The “Goodbye to My Chinese Spy” trend, which emerged alongside conversations about TikTok’s data practices, illustrates the generation’s complex relationship with data privacy.

The Future of Data Monetization

The burgeoning market for data brokers is expected to grow substantially, with projections predicting a rise from $389.765 billion in 2024 to $561.538 billion by 2029.

Given this environment, and with platforms like Verb.AI promoting transparency and fair compensation, it seems that selling data could soon become a popular side hustle for a generation that is redefining the value of their online presence.