Blog Post #8

ONLINE INFLUENCERS

The phrase "online influencer" has become increasingly common to describe people in the current digital era who have a significant impact on the preferences, actions, and beliefs of their followers. However, the effects of internet influencers go much beyond a straightforward description; they have both a beneficial and detrimental impact on consumer culture, interpersonal interactions, and societal norms. 

Ashley Graham

Positively, internet influencers act as motivation and innovation boosters. They bring fresh viewpoints, ideas, and trends, stimulating innovation and advancing cultural change. Fashion influencers, for instance, defy traditional ideas of beauty by promoting body positivity, celebrating diversity, and showcasing the newest fashion trends. In the same manner, environmental influencers spread knowledge about sustainability-related concerns, motivating people and companies to embrace eco-friendly practices and promote progress. 

Body positivity influencers: 

Ashley Graham 

Greta Thunberg

Tess Holliday 

Iskra Lawrence 

Environmental Influencers:

Greta Thunberg

Robin Greenfield

Leonardo DiCaprio

On the other hand, there are certain disadvantages to the power of internet celebrities. The possibility of manipulation and false information is one of the main worries. Some influencers may put sensationalism ahead of truth in a desire/ need for likes and engagement, spreading misleading information or promoting harmful products. Furthermore, the pressure to uphold a well-curated online image can cause followers to feel inferior and hard on themselves, which may fuel unrealistic expectations and promote a culture of insecurity and comparison.

Tyler Oakley 

Online influencers have an impact on society as a whole that goes beyond personal connections. They can intensify social movements, inspire communities, and promote significant transformations. For example, LGBTQ+ influencers are essential in promoting inclusiveness, clarifying rumors, and fighting for equality and acceptance. Similar to this, political influencers use their platforms to involve the public, bring attention to important topics, and sway public opinion, all of which help to shape the course of politics and public policy.

AOC 

LGBTQ+ Influencers:

Tyler Oakley 

Roxane Gay 

Jacob Tobia

Political Influencers:

AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)

Ben Shapiro 

Sean Hannity 

However, the impact of online influencers varies among several societal groups. People's perceptions and interactions with online content are influenced by several factors, including cultural origins, gender identities, age demographics, and economic inequities. For example, although fashion influencers may encourage wealthy customers to buy premium goods, they may also offer inexpensive style advice to individuals with tight budgets. Similarly, older audiences could be more open to lifestyle influencers that align with their interests and stage of life as they are to trendy fashion bloggers.

In terms of personal influence, online influencers have a broad spectrum of effects on people, families, and whole generations. For example, fitness influencers may provide you with encouragement and inspiration to embrace a healthy lifestyle, while food bloggers may inspire your family and friends to try new foods and dishes through their food preparation videos. Furthermore, our generation can engage in discussions and action driven by online debate and advocacy, navigating social and political concerns through the eyes of online influencers.

To sum everything up, online influencers have a significant impact on today's digital environment that goes well beyond likes and following. While they have the potential to inspire positive change and foster community connections, they also pose challenges in terms of authenticity, accountability, and societal impact. Navigating the influence of online influencers requires critical thinking, media literacy, and a nuanced understanding of their role in shaping the fabric of our digital society.