Instamums & the Influencer economy

[caperberries]

Interesting article in today's Telegraph:

www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2018/04/21/influencer-economy-world-celebrity-instagram-endorsements-attracting/

'Influencers' are attracting increasing scrutiny from regulators, but, as the article notes:

'A separate challenge may loom for the industry. By going directly to influencers, advertisers are bypassing ad-funded social networks such as Instagram and Snapchat, with whom they might have otherwise spent their money. If the rise of the influencers continues, they may ruffle more than just regulators’ feathers.'

It's very big business. DS works for the largest UK MI company. The owner is 25, started it in his bedroom in 6th form. Remarkable foresight and achievement.

What is your AIBU though ?

That article prompts me to ask AIBU to expect Instamum influencers (as those are the accounts I tend to follow) to clearly disclose when product endorsements are genuine or when they have been paid in money/product/hospitality/etc.

I don't think it is an unreasonable ask (even when the advertiser hasn't had editorial control) and I have huge respect for the handful of instamum influencers who do make advertising, gifts, genuine endorsements and affiliate links very clear.

Yabu to pay any attention to thickly made up bloggers. Influencers are for sheep.

Esther Coren today on her stories was rather wise regarding the non real lifeness of IG. She was giving sensible advice relating to not needing a whole new wardrobe just because IG accounts subconsciously tell you otherwise...