In today’s world, social media has become a profession and a significant influence on the masses. Here, some influencers stick to their content and focus on being unique in what they do. They follow the quote “Don’t do different things, but do things differently”. A variety of content exists where people showcase their unique talents, like art, crafts, cooking, embroidery, and this is also a platform for people who wish to start a small business. For many, being an influencer is a dream. But what does it mean? To be famous and have hundreds of followers? Or to make a brand for themselves and inspire people? What happens when it is the former? What lows will people reach to gain more popularity? And what does influencersgonewild mean?
A. Social Media Culture:
In the early 2000s, various social media platforms arrived, and people found various ways to connect. At first, it was used to communicate with your loved ones and also post interesting updates about your life. But as more features were introduced and the algorithm became prominent, the concept of it changed. We have many social media apps on a global scale, and also apps that are available in specific countries.
From posting niche content to a variety of videos, the meaning of social media has changed. It became a portal to all sorts of bad habits like ‘doom scrolling’ into phone addiction and feeling insecure about themselves. And the comments section is either one of the most supportive or the most heinous places.
Social media is a platform for marketing, creation, and inspiration. But it is also a place for addiction, misinformation, and harm to people. It is a weapon that can be used for and against people. Like how a coin has two sides, there are both advantages and disadvantages to social media, too.
B. Positive side:
a. Creativity:
Many talents use social media and display their skills. There are many artists, writers, actors, craft makers, and others. Some turn this into a business. Some make fan art and merchandise that are bought by many.
b. Hacks:
Though not all hacks can be genuine, there are life hacks that aid many people in solving their issues. Some may share what trick worked for them to solve their problems faster.
c. Business:
Some content creators sell products that they either made themselves or resell other things. As mentioned above, some create astonishing products that will aid fans of various fandoms. By having a social media account, one can market their own products and not only earn income from them but also monetise their posts (on some platforms)
d. Lifestyle:
Some creators post about how their life is and what incidents have occurred in their lives recently. These vlogs are very interesting to many viewers, as the experience could be relatable. Some upload study vlogs that motivate fellow students before their exams. Online finds, makeup routine, morning and evening routine, and cooking vlogs are a few popular concepts that are appreciated by hundreds of fans.
C. Negative side:
a. Addiction:
Social media ‘reels’ addiction is a bottomless pit that lures people into scrolling for hours and wastes their time. Many parents complain that their children are spending too much time online, and to combat this, apps come with ‘parental controls’.
b. Inappropriate content:
Some accounts post inappropriate videos that influence the younger generations. It can vary from sexual content (subtle or direct), abusing humans or animals, fake news, or hate speech. Platforms do ban such content, and viewers can also report these videos. But it all depends on the mindset of the person, as one’s abnormal can be another’s normal.
c. Misinformation:
One cannot believe all the information being spread on social media. As they can be genuine or mislead people. Some share their opinions as news, and in some cases (times of war, pandemics), sharing fake news can lead to disastrous consequences.
d. Scam:
Not only is it a platform for genuine businesses to rise, but also for scams to target unsuspecting people. Many digital crimes have been occurring, and the numbers are increasing by the day. They range from offering jobs where you’d have to make payments to identity and financial theft. Some make accounts that sell products, but they either never arrive or a different thing is sent than what was ordered.
D. Influencers Gone Wild:
Now that the good and the bad sides are listed, let’s see what ‘influencers gone wild’ means. It is a term that is used for influencers who have a massive following, but at the height of their fame, they do something controversial. It can be because they crafted a public image that is the opposite of their personality, and when they achieved fame, they can do whatever they want, and their followers wouldn’t mind, no matter how outrageous the content is. Either it can be unintentional or the real personality surfacing. But influencers who have gone wild can be criticised by the very fans they have. In order to stay at the height of their popularity, influencers do the most questionable things.
Many influencers come under this category. James Charles is a beauty influencer and makeup artist who has millions of followers across various platforms. Back in 2019, he was accused of sending inappropriate messages to underage boys and lost many followers. Tana Mongeau, a reality star, was admonished for hosting a disastrous fan event called ‘TanaCon’. And Vikas Fhatak, a YouTuber and an ex-Bigg Boss contestant, was banned from YouTube for posting violent content. And so, there are other examples where influencers do something that enrages their audience. This can lead to severe backlash, and influencers can lose whatever they had built when they go wild.
Hence, influencers need to mind their behaviour on public platforms as they have the power to influence others’ opinions. Views must only be seen as appreciation by fans but not as tools for increasing their popularity, as fame isn’t permanent with audacious behaviour.
