To hate social media 'influencers'

[TH22]

Not sure the point of this post really, other than to express my dislike of social media 'influencers'. Am I the only one (and a miserable old fart at the age of 34) or do others not understand their purpose either?

Someone asked me the other day a question along the lines of, what would make me feel like I'd failed as a parent? My answer was 'if my future child decreed that they want to be an 'influencer' when they grow up.

I use insta (yes, I see the irony - but it's limited to bath time), but what I can't stand is seeing so many teenagers either doing irritating dance routines, plugging themselves or products and just generally living life with the sole aim of gaining as many likes and followed as possible. I just don't understand! Kind of makes me feel sad.

I am aware that plenty will say they're doing no harm, but this is just another reason why I get worried the way our future is heading!

Thoughts?

NB - fully aware I may get called old and judgemental!

But if influencers aren’t setting themselves up as role models, and holding themselves out as something that others should aspire to be, then what are they doing?

I actually don’t really understand what they are. To my mind they’re just people that somehow end up with lots of people knowing who they are ( by sleeping with someone, appearing on a shitty programme, having a big mouth) getting stuff for free which they then try and tell you will enhance your life beyond all wildest dreams.

I’d be more upset if DS was influenced by the shit that comes off their insta page than if he became one (at least he would get paid/free stuff).

I agree with you, but think I am a boring old (35yo) fart too! I hate them. Not the people, but what they represent. The whole cult of personality thing. I mean, some of them do try to do good and some are amazing academics too, (on the more political side of things), but despite that, their followers are usually a bleating mob of ignorant bellends, desperate for attention themselves.

I don't have SM for this reason. I have one account (Twitter), which I don't use at all, except to send private messages to companies if I need their help with customer services. You get no answer to phone calls or emails, but they respond immediately to SM messages. So I have it for this sole reason and I never post anything else or even look at anything else. I have no followers I don't think, but honestly wouldn't know if I did.

There are different types of influencer.

I don't really think it's fair to put someone from Love Island who comes out and takes brand deals in the same bracket as someone who started out doing a blog or YouTube channel 10 years ago, built a following from nothing and now happens to use Instagram as well.

I hate influencers.

Maybe I am a dinosaur, but the instances I've seen where people are demanding freebies because they are "influencers", its appalling. I think they are cheeky gits.

If my DC grew up wanting to be an influencer, I'd feel I'd failed as a parent. Its a vacuous "look at me and my amazing life, buy these because I say so" existence.

It's a job. You earn money. Money's nice.

You probably used to put on your TV and see A Person, and they might be Doing Something, perhaps comedy, singing a song. Now you put on your computer and you're angry that A Person is singing a song but on your computer instead, so they're... bad, or something?

It's simply a newer form of 'an entertainer' which has been a job for a number of decades now, something people are willing to pay for. If someone wants to pay a person to be entertaining as well as endorse products, that's a valid role. Did you spend the 80s getting angry at celebrities on adverts, or the 90s getting cross when normal folk were turned into pop stars?

It's also really easy not to see Influencers, by hitting the unfollow buttons and not going to their Youtube channels.

Yes it’s frightening that a twenty something can put on mags up and like like a generic clone, and pout and have millions of followers

I wish kids would look to charity workers, scientists, nurses and the like and people who do worthwhile things!

Put on make up

Someone asked me the other day a question along the lines of, what would make me feel like I'd failed as a parent? My answer was 'if my future child decreed that they want to be an 'influencer' when they grow up.

How nasty of you. Surely you just want your child to be happy whatever they choose to do?

You’ve already failed as a parent by being so judgmental about possible choices they might make.

@TempestHayes

It's a job. You earn money. Money's nice.

You probably used to put on your TV and see A Person, and they might be Doing Something, perhaps comedy, singing a song. Now you put on your computer and you're angry that A Person is singing a song but on your computer instead, so they're... bad, or something?

It's simply a newer form of 'an entertainer' which has been a job for a number of decades now, something people are willing to pay for. If someone wants to pay a person to be entertaining as well as endorse products, that's a valid role. Did you spend the 80s getting angry at celebrities on adverts, or the 90s getting cross when normal folk were turned into pop stars?

It's also really easy not to see Influencers, by hitting the unfollow buttons and not going to their Youtube channels.

The huge difference is the interactive aspect I think. You become part of the entertainment and it can become quite unhealthy imo. Watching someone do something they are slightly talented at, is different to someone 'making friends' with you in the internet. Followers get dragged into it, which I think can be quite damaging.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jan/25/social-media-influencers-clear-ads-celebrities-authorities

This is how I feel about it I think.

They get some lovely perks but I think it must be a very bizarre, pressured hamster wheel existence- demographics, brand pressure, keeping up the content, never putting a foot wrong. I get a bit fed up with the identikit nature of the whole thing - they all look alike- and the staged nature of a lot of it. It's so unreal. I also dislike how insidious the advertising can be. It looks less attractive now it all has to be declared etc but I think teens won't see this side, just the "illusion". People like Elle Darby worry me because it's just not real.

I do follow some accounts but one is very transparent about the work that goes in and her daily life and the other makes it clear that it's a business and her lovely photos are obviously staged. They're not huge accounts that teens would follow. I admire their honesty and also people who use insta as a genuine platform for their business or their activism. Wannabes make me cringe though!

@TableFlowerss

Yes it’s frightening that a twenty something can put on mags up and like like a generic clone, and pout and have millions of followers

I wish kids would look to charity workers, scientists, nurses and the like and people who do worthwhile things!

Some do. Some don't

Just like children have done since the age of time. Have different interests and aspirations

I'm loving all the responses, thank you everyone.

I don't doubt that some work hard and long hours, but I think my ultimate objection is those who have a desire to be famous for nothing. A desire to be loved, adored and admired for little.

When I think about it, I feel the same about actors and performers etc. I truly believe there's a difference between someone absolutely loving their craft and their incredible skill because of the joy that it brings them (whether it be acting, singing, an interior design blogger etc) versus someone who wants to do these things purely with the intent on being 'famous'.

So for those who say i should want my child to to grow up and be who they want to be, of course I do. I just hope that they grow up with enough confidence to not feel the need to chase popularity and adoration in any form.

I don’t even know why people follow them! As soon as it’s obvious someone is plugging a product I instantly get bored because it’s not genuine. I liked genuine reviews but if you’re being paid then it’s basically like watching a series of tv ad breaks and who on earth finds that enjoyable?
I don’t get it at all. If anything, lockdown has exposed how vacuous and pointless these people truly are.

I understand the 'social media influencer' completely - they get paid well/free gifts which they promote/great advertising money etc

What I struggle to understand is why anyone would actually want to follow any of these (mainly halfwits) and hang on their every word/post/suggestion - now that is truly baffling!

You can understand young, impressionable teenagers doing it but not adults!

Why would anyone want to follow someone who appeared on Love Island etc? Even if you liked the show, when it ends it ends.... imagine following one of the people on it... why?

Genuine question

I'm kind of jealous that so many young people are making big bucks from having little talent other than to look good on screen while so many of us oldies do important , hard jobs for a pittance. Influencers seem to be vacuous but beautiful and some have a personality.

A lot of these young ‘influencers’ will be in therapy by the time they are 40. The insta mummies seem smug. I tried Facebook years ago and deleted it, tried insta and deleted it, Facebook is full of conspiracy theories and insta is full of show offs. I also agree with pp that I would be disappointed if my daughter or son made a living by taking selfies and promoting shite.

Agree with everyone who said that it's not the influencers theyd be ashamed of raising, who have at least had a bit of ingenuity and go-getter spirit to get enough followers, it's those who support them I don't understand. I don't really "get" the whole influencer thing, despite only being 30 but I can't see why it's any more of a facile existence being flogged products by influencers than by actors/models etc. At least the influencers usually talk about the product a bit rather than having some random actress wafting about on a horse in a ballgown which is apparently supposed to make me want to buy a perfume?

I personally think grown adults being paid millions for kicking a ball around a pitch (or most other sports!) Is completely illogical when you actually think about it but millions of people are happy to pay to support their insanely high wages...

What amazes me is the sheer number of them!!

I agree that the buy this handbag types are annoying but Insta is a lifeline for creatives, graphic designers, would be comedians, musicians and bands, arts and crafts. Eg, if you are trying to promote new music, or sell concert tickets - promoters would expect a musician to be present on all platforms.
I'm trying to cut down on the amount of cute cat and dog accounts.

I hate social media. I dropped my 12 year old off at school the other day and there was a group 4 14/15 year olds standing taking pictures of themselves 🙄, they all looked like clones of each other. It was a bit sad.

I'm what you'd probably call an "influencer" although if never call myself that 😂.. I started mine when we started doing up our house and id recently h ad a miscarriage so it's was something to occupy my mind i m also interested in photography and love interiors so it was nice to have an outlet for that .. I don't often feature my children and keep where we live very private and have a non public personal account ... I get sent some lovely things I only review /advertise what i like and I'm known for being very honest about what I like which does put brands off but it's a hobby for me and not my families sold income I could delete it tomorrow and it wouldn't effect our financial situation so I can be picky with who I work with ...I wouldn't support my children having it as a career choice as a hobby when they are older he's but as I said I get paid but it's a hobby plus I've had the odd troll and id want to protect my children from that .. I don't see why anyone would have a n issue with it really ...YABU