Influencers have become a powerful force in the social media landscape. With their large followings and carefully curated feeds, they can shape trends, influence consumer behavior, and even disrupt traditional marketing strategies. However, not all influencers use their power responsibly. Some have gone wild, engaging in outrageous and harmful behavior in pursuit of fame and fortune.
In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of “influencers gone wild.” We will examine some of the most notable examples, discuss the factors that contribute to this behavior, and explore the impact it has on society.
Some of the most common ways that influencers go wild include:
- Promoting unhealthy or dangerous lifestyles. Some influencers have been criticized for promoting unhealthy or dangerous behaviors, such as excessive dieting, extreme workouts, and substance abuse. For example, in 2019, fitness influencer Brittany Dawn was accused of scamming her clients by selling them personalized meal and workout plans that she never delivered. She was also accused of promoting unhealthy and unrealistic body standards.
- Spreading misinformation and disinformation. Some influencers have used their platforms to spread misinformation and disinformation about a variety of topics, including health, science, and politics. For example, in 2020, anti-vaccine influencer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was banned from Instagram for spreading misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Engaging in bullying and harassment. Some influencers have been accused of bullying and harassing their followers, other influencers, and even celebrities. For example, in 2022, beauty influencer James Charles was accused of grooming and manipulating underage boys.
There are a number of factors that contribute to influencers going wild. One factor is the pressure to maintain a high level of engagement. Influencers rely on their followers for likes, comments, and shares, so they may feel compelled to do whatever it takes to get attention, even if it means engaging in controversial or harmful behavior.
Another factor is the lack of accountability. Influencers are often their own bosses, and there are few regulations in place to govern their behavior. This can lead to a sense of entitlement and a belief that the rules do not apply to them.
Finally, some influencers may simply be motivated by greed. They may be willing to do anything to make money, even if it means selling out their values or exploiting their followers.
The behavior of influencers gone wild can have a number of negative consequences. It can spread misinformation, promote unhealthy lifestyles, and create a hostile online environment. It can also have a negative impact on impressionable audiences, especially younger followers who may view their actions as aspirational or normal.
Here are some examples of the impact that influencers gone wild have had on society:
- In 2018, a British teenager died after trying to recreate a dangerous stunt that she had seen on Instagram. The stunt involved jumping off a cliff into water, but the girl misjudged the distance and fell to her death.
- In 2019, a group of influencers were arrested in Bali for staging a photoshoot at a sacred Hindu temple. The influencers were accused of disrespecting the temple and its religious significance.
- In 2020, a number of anti-vaccine influencers were blamed for contributing to a decline in vaccination rates in the United States. This decline led to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and mumps.
Social media platforms have a responsibility to address the problem of influencers gone wild. They can do this by implementing stricter guidelines, moderating content more effectively, and penalizing influencers who violate community standards. However, it is also important for consumers to be critical of the content they consume and to be aware of the potential risks of following influencers.
Here are some tips for consumers to avoid being influenced by influencers gone wild:
- Be critical of the content you see on social media. Don’t take everything you see at face value.
- Do your own research on the products and services that influencers promote. Don’t buy something just because your favorite influencer is telling you to.
- Be aware of the potential risks associated with following influencers. Some influencers may try to sell you unhealthy products or services, or they may spread misinformation or hate speech.
- Be mindful of your own mental health. If you find that following certain influencers is making you feel bad about yourself, or if it is triggering negative emotions, it may be best to unfollow them.
