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?

Laura from buynowbloglater has just posted something interesting on insta, the National Media Council in UAE (for those that don't know she's based in Dubai), have created a law that means social media influencers now have to buy a license to trade. It's their way of trying to professionalise and regulate what's going on. Those who flout the law, will be fined and have their social media accounts shut down.

That's a very good point flying. I'm suprised that someone whom it would be fair to assume is so aligned with the more radical end of transactivism (viz - very overt accusations of MN transohobia) would attend such an event. I wonder why she decided to?

That's an interesting development, nipers, and probably one good way of professionalising it. I have felt for a while that 'stumbling' into influencing isn't ideal for the image of the industry or for its longevity. There are a lot of regulatory, legal (copyright and tax etc) and ethical aspects to blogging that I think often aren't given proper consideration. Having to learn about these before obtaining a licence would improve standards and weed out some of the shady operators. Most other industries are licensed or overseen by a regulatory body, why shouldn't blogging/influencing?

These threads are really interesting. I've also noted with interest the reasoned response to posts by 2 Instamums in the comments on IG. People have calmly and sensibly pointed out the accusations of bullying and slander (libel) are incorrect.

I have also noted that one of the instamums has deleted several of her previous posts. I wonder if that is a response to the concerns about ads/exposure of children/security - i.e. overidentifying location.

Re the original OP, I would say at the very least IGers will have to significantly up their game from now on, legally and ethically. And I think these threads have had significant influence.

It's the faux 'mama's I can't stand. One in particular who flogs feel good cards and courses was criticising mumsnet last week whilst trying to sell a course about speaking your mind and not always being nice. Oh the irony! What I object to most is the shutting down of discussing and debate they think they are entitled to do. Yet the continue with their contrived faux funny stories, ads, gifts, manipulation and hawking.

There's another mama who flogs her mental health events with no mental health qualifications. It is really stealth stealing off many vulnerable and fragile mums.

It's depressing that these women think they are empowering but MN is disempowering.

I actually think if anyone is holding themselves out as a mental health "expert" rather than an advocate, they should be obliged to set out the basis for that and whst their qualifucations are. Psychologist/psychiatrist etc are regulated professions that require indemnity insurance etc. It is really important that people can make an informed decision about who to take advice from and what products to buy.

There's been a backlash in about this as well as "fitness" experts.

That's interesting. I'm sitting here eating a cake so don't think I could fairly comment on fitness experts but I could see a similar situation arising.

I think grass roots, practical support can be amazing but I think it is really important that it is clear on what basis advice is given; particularly if there is an accompanying product

Just unfollowed Jack Monroe because of an #ad for Marmite. They're all at it!

Is thst deffo an ad? Actually, on looking at it again, I think it is. I initially thought a fishing expedition for free marmite. Bye bye Jack - I will be unfollowing too

Can I ask what the problem is with the Marmite ad? Do you feel it's not marked clearly enough?

I think with her level of followers that really ought to have a 'paid promotion' geotag, but I've no problem with her doing ads.

For me it is particularly nauseating watching them film their children open the free gifts, prompting them loudly to show how happy they are. I've unfollowed anyone who uses ad or gift or uses their children.

I am also dismayed by the begging for goody bag items they want for events they hold. Talk about hawking and grovelling! It it's such an abuse of small businesses, most of them run by mums!

And my final rant is the hpc professionals who sell their 'wares' and expertise. There's one mama at the moment who does this and it doesn't sit right with all the ads and gifting. I'm all for paying for private services but it all seems so unregulated via intsa and is bought by young mums who want to emulate the person and not necessarily need the service.

'Unboxing' is a huge turn off for me. However they try to frame it, it's just showing off free stuff.

PavlovaPrincess I like JM. I just don't like #ads.

@jamoncrumpets fair enough. Not being snarky, this is a genuine question. So you don't want to see any ads from the people you're following?

I don't either, but I'll settle for the odd, clearly marked ad here and there so long as it doesn't outnumber the content. Although I wonder if more people unfollowed due to ads and told the Influencer why, maybe they'd stop eventually.

I have realised I actually need to block the insta mummies because the algorithm won't let me be free of them! That book 'review' from one of them last night didn't even have sentences. Their self belief is startling.

I keep getting people who I have unfollowed popping up on my feed

I saw the book review and, I must say, I am very jealous of anyone who has the time to read one book a week. Give me the secret please!

No problem with ads as long as they are clearly marked as such at the very beginning. Then I can either ignore that content or read it with the knowledge that it is an ad

I read at least one book a week! Can't imagine not reading tbh, even with a newborn.

Gobbolino the secret is childcare.

I thought it was a really poorly written review, for a writer.

I don't mind ads, but they need to be flagged in a different way than they are currently, because of the format of IG. They are not clear, unless you search for #ad every time you open a post.

I read when DCs are in bed, or sometimes over their head, when they're tiny

I read a lot for work and have found it harder to do so for pleasure.

I enjoy Sarah Mostly's book reviews. She's at the more gentle end of instamums.