Steemit is a response to the business models of legacy social networks, so I think the comparison is entirely appropriate.
Your question is good one, and I'm not saying you shouldn't be asking it. And it's really great you're so enthusiastic about the platform. It's a really positive community to be a part of, and I think that's why we're all here - it's something different with a lot of potential. I think everyone's message though is that you've only been on a couple of weeks. Give it time, feel it out, figure out what works for you. How you vote is entirely up to you.
And with that, I just upvoted your sunset photography because it's really good. It's the kind of content I think builds value on this platform, and I hope to see more of it on here. Not seeing a resteem option, though, otherwise I'd share them to my feed as well. I'm also upvoting your post since I appreciate the discussion it's generated, so thank you. :)
Thank you. Imagine how much more powerful this platform could be if you could only give your votes. The focus would be much more on quality content creation. And for those with lots of Steem who do not want to create content, there are other ways they can invest their Steem in the platform, and those options would become equally as profitable as it is now for upvoting oneself. But with such a better focus on quality of content and the core value of positivity.
While I do think we have a major issue with quality content, I actually think it is for different reasons.
There are many accounts that do not log in, do not read, do not post, they just bot vote. (it is their stake, so I am okay with that)
I think the lack of meaningful interaction like what is taking place on this post is the reason the quality is dropping. Neither of us can prove it so thanks for an interesting conversation and for contributing to meaningful engagement.