Which activity represents the trade-off characterized by nearly zero activation energy but results in low returns compared to learning professional copywriting?
Taking surveys
The concept of activation energy versus immediate reward is used to compare different hustle commitment levels. Taking surveys, or similarly scanning receipts, is presented as having nearly zero activation energy—meaning minimal effort, skill acquisition, or planning is needed to start immediately—but this comes at the cost of very low returns. This is contrasted with long-term investments like learning professional copywriting or becoming certified, which require months of dedicated, unpaid effort (high activation energy) but result in a far higher potential hourly rate once established. Therefore, taking surveys exemplifies the low-energy, low-reward end of the side hustle spectrum.

#Videos
12 High Paying Side Hustles While Keeping Your Job - YouTube