When Instagram was newer than it is today I remember following bloggers and lifestyle accounts just to see people’s outfits. Similar to the way Pinterest worked. I’d see what people were wearing and emulate it if it was something I liked. This was the very organic beginnings of the influence culture that has taken over the world these days. I often joke that if I had a dream job it would be to just unbox packages on TikTok all day. Because I’ll admit I love to shop and “add to cart”.Even more recently I used to love watching those “unboxings” or “hauls”. I’ve bought countless things that I didn’t really “need” from Amazon storefronts. Or jumped or trends that didn’t last long, or perhaps I wasn’t the target demographic. Bama Rush got me bad, especially the first year it blew up. Perhaps it’s the older I’ve gotten (though I see people of all ages clapping back) but these days especially influencer culture comes across as extremely tone deaf.
Full disclosure I say this while using my walking pad, drinking out a Stanley tumbler, and I used Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe during my morning skincare routine. I’ve been influenced and I do enjoy the product recommendations.
But this idea of influencer culture being tone-deaf has been something I’ve noticed for a while now. There are a few reasons why I feel this way which I’ll go into further detail about. But it was this weekend after an influence who I am admitted not a fan of at all posted an incessant PR haul that garnered a LOT of negative feedback. In my opinion, this was well deserved. And the reaction offered the confirmation bias I was seeking. That this trend, this culture has to stop. People see through it and genuinely do not like the image and lifestyle being portrayed. This is only exacerbated by the rising cost of everything under the sun (except my salary).
So what are the main things showcased by influence culture that is tone deaf? I’m SO glad you asked.
Being An "Influencer" As A "Job" And Complaining About "Working"
It pays the bills. I get it. It pays for the entire “lifestyle”. And I’m extremely envious of the amount of money these people make. And they make it for honestly doing a lot less than most of us out there. Yes they film and edit videos. But it’s of them doing fun things. It’s of them shopping, trying the newest restaurants, going on lavish vacations, etc. But there are two things that a lot of these influencers forget or just don’t know.
First when they first gained their following this wasn’t their main source of income. There was something relatable about them that resonated with people. Perhaps it was being in college. Or being a stay-at-home mom. Or offering content that showcased balancing life with a job. But when they start to gain enough followers they can quit that job. And those same people can’t relate anymore. What made them come off as approachable is gone.
Not only this, but one of my biggest pet peeves (though admittedly this whole thing is a pet peeve of mine) is when they have the audacity to complain. To complain about how busy they are. Or how tired. When the majority of your fanbase (that sounds cringy but I don’t know what else to call it) works or goes to school and they see people complaining that they are so busy without working 8 hours a day. It’s a slap in the face. One that I’ve seen many many people comment on.
