Here are definitions from Merriam-Webster online dictionary, but what is your take?
Exploitation (noun): an act or instance of exploiting Exploit (verb): 1.) to make productive use of; 2.) to make use of meanly or unfairly for one’s own advantage
Monetization (verb): 1.) to coin into money; 2.) to purchase (public or private debt) and thereby free for other uses moneys that would have been devoted to debt service; 3.) to utilize (something of value) as a source of profit
- Edit - revised title to “Is there a difference…” from “What is the difference…”
Exploiting people: making them feel that they have no choice under the threat of poverty if they don’t comply, often resulting in accepting less than favorable pay/them paying more to get something they need.
Monetizing people: “We already play video games for fun, so why don’t we turn it into a thing where we get paid to play video games by streaming it and possibly doing ads or accepting audience donations?”
Basically, exploitation is taking advantage of people’s possible desperation. Monetization is just taking something people might want and changing/making money off of it.
Monetization can lead to exploitation, but they are not intrinsically the same at its base.