Influencer ethics on Instagram

[MadameGrizzly]

Continuing the discussion on whether influencing on Instagram is an ethical business model, particularly around the disclosure of advertising and the over exposure of children.

AIBU to think it isn't a sustainable career unless the influencer is scrupulously ethical?

The reply I got from ASA said that there was no evidence that the brand had had editorial control over the post and therefore it did not need to be labelled as an advert.

Makes me wonder if they actually contacted the brand or the IGer to even check. Seems like a very weak response so it doesn't fill me with confidence that they are genuinely interested in ensuring compliance.

The unmumsy mum is my favourite. Hardly any ads and I find her really down to earth and funny.

I also like cigarettesandcalpol.

Actually I also really like Esther Coren who doesn't seem to be included in the instamum clique, I assume because she's fairly unapologetically posh and upfront.

It's definitely going to come to an end. The way we consume and interact with content is constantly evolving and changing.

I'd love to ask the instamums whether they'd like their children to have their own instagram account. You betcha they'd say "no of course not" - however what's different about their names being the names of the account? Pretty much jack shit.

This reminds me just to check my instagram settings that I don't have anyone I don't know following me (its set to private but I am just going to check if I allowed anyone in error).

How interesting Brighton.

I remember being surprised in a previous thread when people described their responses from iGers when they'd DMed them. I see them as strangers but some people really do see them as their online mates.

Re reviews, I'd be very careful. I know several people who are paid to do online reviews on Amazon etc. Also it's clear that some IGers are asking for reviews from their followers, so it is very difficult to assess the authenticity of them.

After online safety discussions, my 3 kids all informed me that their 'online image belonged to them' (yes really!) And I was not to use it without their permission. I had only previously had private setting anyway but now I no longer post images of them at all.

I was interested to note Mother Pukka has reverted to showing her older daughter's image again. I like her a lot but she made a point of posting the 'last' image of her and now has reverted.

I imagine the instamums will morph into something different along the line, if they have another hook.

the lesson is more that being influenced is for sheep. Learn that a thickly-made-up keyboard warrior squeaking over youtube is not actually a role model. Teach your kids the same and these parasites will wither and die.

TBH, Surfing, I scroll straight to the 1 reviews anyway - whether that is Trip Advisor, Amazon or Boden! I tend to disregard most of the 5 reviews, although if there are lots of them I would be swayed by the number of 5* reviews compared to other categories.

They'll wither and die soon enough anyway specialsubject, it's not really a sustainable business model. To that end I can see why, given that they obviously don't have an ethical issue with what they're doing, they'd all ride it as hard as possible. They should. If you're selling your soul, or more importantly your kid's privacy, best to get the highest possible price for it.

I do that now Reboot - you can filter only critical reviews on amazon which gives the 1 -3* reviews, I think.

/shudder

I wonder how the mother of dear little Martha Mary Mae (born on 10-5-17 at 8.06pm after a sixteen hour labour, weighing 8lbs, blue eyes, blonde straight hair, slim physique, loves cats and drawing, plays the cello, and attended the local private school) will defend herself when her daughter's identity is stolen?

I wonder about the teen years. How do you advise your teen about safe SM use when you've been on your phone constantly in front of them - like telling your kids not to smoke with a fag on your hand.

FlyingBird Brilliant and creepy!

These threads, if nothing else, have really wised me up (made me paranoid) about what IGets are doing. I've definitely noticed the 'set up' suspense angle - sometimes this is a little clunky. I still think the whole issue of gifting is shady. I think giving someone something is payment. It is 'consideration' in legal terms to create a contract. Why does it matter that the product owner doesn't 'control' the editorial?

I've noticed more and more "influencers" and "bloggers" whoever are declaring their ads which is great and so they should. Trouble is as soon as I see "ad" I just switch off and think yada yada yada....

Am I the only one who is appalled at some of the awful spelling for ads they have been paid for? It's sooo sloppy and embarrassing.

I always wonder what would happen if those that parade their great "hubbys" divorced....how awkward would that be?!

Gifting is advertising, for sure. Gifting is giving somebody something with no expectation of reward or reciprocation. There's no way these brands are sending things out of pure kindness. I'd like to see all #gifted items declared as #ads.

I don't believe that a certain IGer is buying endless dresses and jumpsuits etc. themselves. I am affluent but I can't fathom the amount of clothing being 'bought' by some of them. It's actually insane.

Apples I thought that but wondered if it seems more 'real' that they are just 'chucking out' a normal post. One claims dyslexia, so they're off the hook.

I don’t mind it tbh. I follow mostly fitness/weightlifting stuff and I don’t buy protein powders just because x is ( allegedly) downing it. I kind of feel like it makes it possible for those athletes who aren’t yet there to make enough money to train and have a shot. Quite democratic really. So long as the rest of the content is good/interesting of course.

I always wonder what would happen if those that parade their great "hubbys" divorced....how awkward would that be?!

I've wondered about this. Wouldn't surprise me if some of them are just staying together for the sake of the Insta brand

Maybe 'divorceegrammers' will be these next trend...

@caperberries I've also wondered (and it's been mentioned on the threads previous to this) if some have had additional DCs to maintain interest in their 'brand' / account.