Influencers, whether they mean to or not, have an impact on numerous aspects of our lives. In their making of content, they provide entertainment to all those who scroll through social media or watch TV. While they do this, however, some question if they have good intentions. Though some celebrities speak out against harsh realities or promote good ideals, others may take advantage of their power and use it for their own benefit.
Influencers can be advocates for various causes in order to use their platforms for good. For example, they raise awareness and money for places or people in need and even inform their followers of the wrong-doings of other influencers and businesses. Tyler Oakly, a popular YouTuber with over 7.5 million subscribers, has become well known for advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. His activism includes supporting the Trevor Project, providing a crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth. Feminista Jones raises awareness on racial justice and women’s rights, specifically black women’s rights. She has thousands of followers on social media and voices the importance of supporting black-owned businesses, according to We Are The City.
Careless influencers affect pre-teens and young adults the most, considering their impressionability. Even though CAP code, the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing, states that though influencers must announce a promotional post, younger audiences still fall prey to this marketing scheme. Another way influencers have a negative effect on their audience applies to body image. As Instagram and various platforms rise, beauty standards have been harsher on younger teens, specifically hard on girls. Body dysmorphia, a mental health disorder where a person obsesses over their “flaws,” has a direct correlation with the beauty standard perceived online, Network Conference states.
Though influencers hold power over everyday people, it becomes the viewer’s responsibility to check for accountability in order to protect themselves. When influencers do not promote a product or brand, they create content for the purpose of entertainment, which many on social media enjoy. So while it remains important to be wary of promotions, it does not hurt to relax and enjoy the content created by influencers.
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