... to ask wtf is an “influencer”??

[minniemummy0]

I keep seeing this on people’s social media descriptions/biographies. AIBU to ask what exactly they mean by this? They influence people to what exactly?? It just seems a weird thing to say of yourself. To influence in general... like, i might be influenced by a politician to vote a certain way or change my view on some current affairs issue. I might be influenced by a makeup artist to buy a new palette. I might be influenced by a critic to try a book or film. But none of these actually describe themselves as an influencer. Seems so wanky and pretentious. Also reminds me of people who describe themselves as “mad”/“crazy” as if it’s a fun thing when really they need to bore off.

Can’t answer for what people wrote on social media but a professional ‘influencer’ is just a more modern name for a lobbyist.....

It’s someone who is a social media personality and has a large social media following.

I think it's someone who has a lot of followers on social media.

I think it looks a bit twattish to have it in your bio though. It's a meaningless word/'job' when it comes down to it and means next to nothing in the real world.

“I might be influenced by a makeup artist to buy a new palette... But none of these actually describe themselves as an influencer.”

I would say that a makeup artist is a perfect example of someone who might describe themselves as an “influencer”.

Basically it’s a bit like an updated version of “the Delia effect”. Someone that people look up to, or aspire to be like, recommends something - then people go out and buy it. That’s what an influencer is.

If you have to say it, it's not true. I call that the 'Posh Spice Rule'.

It's someone paid to talk about a product to their social media following. Bloggers, YouTubers - lots of them paid to prattle on about the products they 'just love'.

Google Zoella.

If you have to say it, it's not true. I call that the 'Posh Spice Rule'