Index Funds vs. Dividend Stocks: What's Your Take?

I’ve been weighing the pros and cons of index funds versus dividend stocks lately. Index funds seem like a solid, low-effort way to diversify, while dividend stocks offer that regular income stream, which is appealing for building passive cash flow. But I’m curious what has worked better for you all in the long run? Do you lean toward the steady growth of index funds or prefer the potential payouts from dividend picks? Would love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have!