Very interesting insight, and thank you for the post. This correlates with my own hypothesis about blockchain-based media. I also wonder if you're seeing higher interest due to economic pressures, i.e., for example, people from poorer countries might be more willing to take a chance on a technology like Steemit because of it potential prosperity it affords, whereas people in Western societies might be more hesitant due to pressures to pursue a more "traditional" career path.

Also, social networks like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram dominate the West right now, whereas alternative networks are potentially more likely to thrive outside of North American markets. At least for now. I do think there you'll start to see more people w/in the North American market look to alternative networks as burnout towards Silicon Valley gathers more steam.