The Era of The Influencer
One good thing about trends is that, eventually, they fade.
Why is it a good thing? Some trends are so terrible that they need to make their way out as fast as they made their way in.
I have respect for people who saw an opportunity in a movement and made a living out of it, but I’m biased, I must say. If it’s something that influences people in a negative way; I’m not buying it, I’m not for it, I’m not supporting it, and I don’t think others should.
To be very direct, the dieters, the anti-vaxxers, the conspiracy theorists, and everybody else selling false happiness (and excessive pizza obsession) shouldn’t be allowed to have a platform. It’s not censorship; it’s moderation. The whole free speech argument itself can be dangerous anyway. We’ve seen what happens when we let the crazy go…crazy [cough * 45 * cough]. A cult is a cult. Nothing will stop the uneducated and the weak from falling for misinformation, I think, but if instead we promoted more educational stuff, perhaps, we could increase the odds.
I have a huge problem with beauty standards in this society, for instance. The fact that in the 21st century we’re still being told what is considered “beautiful” (through makeup, cosmetic surgery, fashion, filters, etc); the fact that we’re told how to look this or that way to fit a mold that was created by mankind some time ago in our f’cked up history, and we give a platform to people to keep promoting it, it’s simply abominable.
As a whole, compared to what humans did in the past, I think we’re doing better at spotting what’s real and what’s worth following, but people still fall for lies and pretense, and it’s a dangerous thing to live with; we’re creating monsters within ourselves.
It’s also a shame that a promoter would knowingly sell lies to the gullible just for financial gains. I get it; it’s tempting because it’s so hard out here for independent contractors, the freelancers, and the creators to make any money out of their craft, but try not to be a fraud. I don’t know where we’re going from here, or if all our attempted human decency is even going to be worth it afterlife, but here on Earth it kind of matters? All that unnecessary pain just isn’t cute.
So, if for whatever reason you’re branded an “influencer” on social media, try to be the best human you can be. It costs nothing. And if you already are the voice of reason, a role model, a credible activist…thank you for being you.
