Akancha Srivastava's video: Don t Follow Social Media Influencers Blindly AAH

As social media platforms become more popular, the role of social media influencers has also grown. These influencers have a large following on social media and can use this influence to manipulate their rather naïve followers. These influencers have amassed large followers by sharing their lives online and offering advice and commentary on various topics. While many social media influencers are genuine and well-intentioned, there are also those who manipulate their followers for personal gain. With millions of blind followers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, these influencers have a lot of power to influence their fans. But how do they do it? How do social media influencers manipulate their followers? Commercial Interests and Bias Many social media influencers primarily profit from sponsorships and affiliate marketing (Boerman et al., 2017). They may promote products or services for financial gain, which can compromise the authenticity and objectivity of their recommendations. For instance, a beauty influencer endorsing a skincare product might receive a substantial payment for their endorsement, potentially influencing their judgment and leading them to promote products that may not be the best fit for their followers. Lack of Expertise Despite their massive followings, influencers often lack formal qualifications and expertise in the areas they promote (Tang et al., 2017). They may provide advice on complex subjects like nutrition, fitness, or investment without proper training, leading to potential misinformation and misguided decisions among their followers. For example, taking financial advice from a fashion influencer might not yield the best results, given their lack of expertise in the field. Selective Representation Social media influencers meticulously curate their online personas, presenting an idealized version of their lives (Marwick and Boyd, 2011). This can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of inadequacy among their followers. For instance, constant exposure to influencers' luxurious lifestyles can lead to unrealistic aspirations and dissatisfaction with one's own life. Inauthenticity While influencers may claim to promote authenticity, their online personas are often constructed and polished (Henderson and Bowley, 2010). This can hinder genuine connections and promote shallow relationships built on appearances. For example, many influencers use Photoshop or filters to enhance their photos, which can create unrealistic beauty standards. Short-Term Focus Influencers often prioritize short-term trends and fads to maintain their popularity (Bucher et al., 2013). This can encourage impulsive spending on products or services with limited long-term value. For instance, following a fashion influencer who frequently showcases the latest trends might lead to unnecessary spending on constantly changing wardrobe items. Emotional Manipulation Influencers are skilled at using emotional triggers, such as the fear of missing out (FOMO), to capture their audience's attention (Peters et al., 2013). This can lead to impulsive actions and decisions driven by emotions rather than rational thinking. For example, limited-time offers or exclusive deals promoted by influencers can trigger impulse purchases. Please note that we have also taken references from relevant articles online Recommended reading- (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/perils-blindly-following-social-media-influencers-hillier-cd-cissp/) Stay Aware, Stay Safe Jai Hind, Jai Bharat! CONTACT US: Website: www.AkanchaAgainstHarassment.com Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com Twitter: @AkanchaS https://twitter.com/AkanchaS Instagram: @akanchas https://www.instagram.com/akanchas/ ABOUT 'AKANCHA AGAINST HARASSMENT' 'Akancha Against Harassment' is India's largest social impact initiative against cyber harassment. It was founded by Miss Akancha Srivastava in February 2017. It’s a not-for-profit Section 8 organization. Honorary Board of advisors Foundation’s advisory board hosts – Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chattisgarh), ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh), ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra), Dr Poonam Verma (Principal- SSCBS, Delhi University) Goals of this initiative The initiative aims at Education, Empowerment & Bridging of general population with the authorities. Support of the Indian Police for the initiative Bridging is the most unique attribute of the initiative. We have a host of over 70+ senior police officers from across the country supporting us in content & awareness drive. This unique strength helps us address any victim complaints that come to us as well as inform people about various measures of law enforcement across the country.