Core Viewpoint - The essence of the self-media crisis is the presence of a few "bad mice" that create distrust, leading to a general tightening of regulations and a reluctance to engage with the industry, despite the majority being safe [2][5][9]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The self-media industry is facing a tightening of regulations, which affects all participants, leading to a more cautious approach from stakeholders [9]. - Many self-media practitioners mistakenly believe that the decline in advertising budgets from large companies is the root cause of their struggles, while in reality, these budgets have increased but are directed towards larger, more regulated media outlets [7][8]. - The advertising revenue for national institutions and large enterprises has surpassed 1.5 trillion yuan, showing a growth of 17.9% year-on-year, indicating a thriving advertising market that self-media is increasingly distanced from [8]. Group 2: Adaptation Strategies - To survive, self-media practitioners are encouraged to align with organizations that have official backing, which can provide credibility and facilitate operations [6][12]. - The unique advantages of self-media, such as flexibility and a relatable style, are emphasized, allowing for effective storytelling that resonates with audiences [13][14]. - Despite current challenges, the self-media environment is still more favorable than it was two decades ago, with many practitioners now able to sustain their livelihoods solely through self-media income [13].