I would like to start off by saying that I actually think the concept of influencers is a wonderful thing. That being said, the way it is done right now, for the most part, is disappointing, to say the least.
I am guessing that the concept of being an 'influencer' came about due to people wanting access to professional information and advice without the high price point. In addition, some people can't understand or feel like they cannot always trust the professionals in a certain field, and so they look to the 'everyday person'. My only issue is that people who are influencers, oftentimes, do not get educated on their topic or area of influence.
You have 'fitness gurus' giving advice, exercise regimen, and promoting products that have no scientific basis of efficacy. In fact, some of the things they stand behind can actually be more harmful. 'Beauty gurus' give bad advice because they don't speak to experts or do research, they do what they do in order to cater to what the masses want so that their following can grow leading to increased generated income. Influencers set and feed into standards that serve to hurt us. Many influencers become highly money-motivated. Wanting to get paid is not a bad thing, however, one has to realize that they are affecting humans just like themselves. Your heart for your fellow man should always be greater than your desire to make a profit.
I would admonish every already existing and aspiring influencer to start getting educated in the area they want to be/are active in. The year is 2019, and we have a plethora of information right at our fingertips. I am often surprised at how easily we have access to information and research done by experts so there is really no excuse for you to promote something you have no knowledge of or that you know has no proof of efficacy. There are influencers that will promote a product, diet, way of life, etc. to their following, but would never follow their own advice in real life. I know that following trends and promoting false miracles is the fastest way to get a following, but I would wager that you would not be happy if someone sold you false or dangerous hope. Why be the person selling the lies then? Start feeding into the standards that actually help humans live the best life possible on earth.
On the other hand, I encourage everyone to test the merit of the words that come out of the mouth of their favorite influencer. We as the people getting influenced also have access to information, so let's double-check, triple check, quadruple check, however many checks your heart needs to be at peace. Know that if you want to change any aspect of your life by natural means, then look to the research on it and make your decision. If you want a miracle, then get to know our Savior, Jesus Christ and ask Him for one, receiving it according to your faith. Lastly, we must begin to use the power we have as those on the receiving end to push influencers to follow humane standards. We like to think that power lies in the hands of those providing a service (influence), but the truth is, the real power lies in the hands of those consuming the product/utilizing the service.
This isn't a call-to-action to get rid of influencers and the concept of being an influencer. This is a call-to-action to change the industry as it stands currently. I love that people get to receive information from people who look like them and have similar struggles. I advocate for representation in all facets of life. I advocate for the accessibility of the good things in life for all.
I do not advocate for profiting off people's hopes. I do not advocate for miseducation.
