Many known influencers and reality stars that are popular on the internet often spread negativity or display negative behavior. This is a problem, because many young people interact and give these people an influencing platform and even look up to them.
Many people that use social media, especially teenagers and young adults don’t realise that negative behavior they see on the internet can have negative impacts. This kind of toxicity on the internet displayed by influencers is also seen as a form of entertainment for some.Many people look up to influencers and want to have or follow their lifestyles that are portrayed perfectly on the internet, however looking beneath the surface can show you a bigger picture that isn’t very nice.
Giving problematic influencers a platform can be harmful because it normalizes toxicity and negativity. In an article by state news associate professor in human development and family studies at MSU, Dr. Megan Maas said that influencers continue to promote negativity on their platforms because it’ll give them the mass amount of attention they’re seeking. Additionally it was mentioned that this kind of content can be “eyecatching” to viewers and when things like this are continuously shared online it keeps them engaged.
Another toxic trait within the influencer community is that they are unethical when it comes to promoting products. In 2024 a Digital Marketing Institute survey found that 60% of online viewers purchase based on influencer recommendation. This shows how much power influencers have over their viewers’ consumption in the real world. This type of influence leads people online to believe that they need a large amount of products or clothes just because it’s trending from their favorite influencers.
Ultimately, a common finding with viewers watching influencers is unhealthy comparison to their extravagant lifestyles. An article by The Jed Foundation, an organization focused on improving mental health and preventing suicide, explains that physical comparison to social media influencers can increase poor body image, body dysmorphia, or even eating disorders. Comparison can lead to viewers feeling the unnecessary need to change their bodies or other physical aspects tied to appearance. Many people on the internet do these things because they think it’s cool and that they will fit into what is considered the “norm” of today that has been set by the media.
Now it’s obvious that influencers aren’t completely responsible for how their viewers take their lifestyles and behavior into account in their own lives, but it is very important to bring light of their heavy influence in a world that is fully tied to social media. I think it’s important today that everyone is authentic and their own person. Living an authentic life can make you happier not only in life, but within yourself as well.
