Trying to Find Love on X Hurt My Algorithm and Delayed Monetization

On February 14, 2024, I was nominated for "Love on Leverage," a dating show hosted on Unlonely, a decentralized streaming platform

What’s a decentralized streaming platform? Think Twitch, but with data stored on the blockchain. Too nerdy? No worries—just type it into ChatGPT and ask it to explain like you’re five.

The show’s format was Bachelor-style: contestants competed for a chance to win over the Bachelor. But here’s the twist: there was a token component. The audience could buy and pump a token when they sensed chemistry between the Bachelor and a contestant—or dump it when they didn’t. Tokens that fell below a certain price threshold triggered the moderator to end the date and move on to the next contestant. Brutal, right?

It was one of those days. The night before had been awful, and Valentine’s Day plans were nonexistent. Did my situationship even know I existed? Scrolling through socials, I felt genuinely happy for all the lovers out there. The flowers and gifts were cute, but it didn’t stop me from asking God: When? Optimistically, there was a virtual date lined up—an opportunity to connect with crypto folks, network, and even make a little money since the platform shared token trading fees with participants. By the end of the night, we each earned a little over $300. (PS: if you enjoy creating reality TV content, DM Unlonely on X.)

Makeup was done, and one of my favorite tops—showing just a hint of collarbone (RIP to that top)—was ready for the occasion. After waiting 30 minutes, it was finally time to join the show. The Bachelor was a vibe—yes, vibey people exist in crypto! Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the moderator’s voice cut in. Apparently, the audience had dumped my token below the threshold, and he was ready to kick me off. Undeterred, the conversation continued—because no one rains on this parade. Needless to say, the moderator came in raging, insisting my time was up. The exact response is a blur, but the frustration was impossible to hide.

Seriously, what is my life? I had one of the worst nights ever: my situationship is MIA, a crypto audience dumped my token, and I got booted off the only date I had. “Why am I always alone on Valentine’s Day?” kept ringing in my head.

So, I went on X (formerly Twitter) and jokingly rage-posted the best photo I could find in my camera roll. Added a short blurb about myself, what I was looking for in a man, and hit send. The tweet blew up a little—see below!

This marked the start of my quest for love on social media. That moment reshaped my persona—except on Instagram, where staying the cool girl on the perfection app felt essential. On platforms like X, though, I became known as the crypto girl looking for love, even adding "Looking for Love on X" to my bio and other socials like Lens, Farcaster, and Airchat.

An unexpected dating journey unfolded from February to September, spanning about 11 dates. Most were fine, a few were awkward, and one was an outright disaster. That particular disaster led to a firm resolution: no more dating crypto bros—at least the ones met on X. (Though, never say never—love is unpredictable, and this approach has worked wonders for others.)

"Looking for Love" stayed in my X bio until the day I noticed my engagement had tanked. For a crypto marketer/influencer, engagement is everything, so this was concerning. My content was thriving on Lens and Airchat, but X felt like a ghost town. Then it hit me: my dates muted me. (Pure speculation, by the way—Elon, please confirm!)

I realized the issue extended beyond the guys I went on dates with—it included those I never got back to (I’m sorry!). Honestly, I can’t blame them. Imagine seeing the girl you went on a date with post nonstop about her love life. Annoying, right? So, I immediately hell no'd the "Looking for Love" persona. Love can be found elsewhere—without tanking my X engagement or stalling my growth marketing career.

To wrap it up: that Valentine’s Day ended on a bittersweet note—I ended up seeing my situ… but that’s a story for another time. My takeaway? Dating in your industry can be tricky—it’s practically a universal proverb. That said, I’m genuinely happy for those who’ve made it work; unfortunately, I haven’t been one of them. And if you’re trying to get monetized on X, maybe think twice before dating someone from the TL (timeline).

As for my persona now? I’m focused on writing and creating content around how the girls can make money on X and in crypto in a humorous way.

For love, my psychic said my next boyfriend will be a Chinese man—and it might even lead to marriage.

So to my future Chinese boyfriend:
你好，也许你会在即将到来的这一年结束我情人节的诅咒。

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X (formerly Twitter)

Love,

Linda

xoxox