> ... if one was to put equivalnet amount of time in another field, say learning how deep learning works...

I see what you're getting at, but these are two different things. The vast majority of humanity as a whole is just not capable of sitting down and chewing through a deep learning textbook or anything of the sort.

What you're ignoring is just how accessible streaming is as an income method. Up until recently, all you needed was the equipment (< $2000-3000 - sometimes paid for by sponsors, often equipment that people already have in modern times) and to be half-way charismatic in order to get into it.

Add in the promise of big money and 'superstars' and now every kid wants to ~be in a band~ be a streamer.