How Influencer culture is ruining our lives
As of January, this year I unfollowed and unsubscribed to all beauty influencers. This decision came at a time when I felt elated in my life and everything was as good as can be, and yet every time I logged onto Instagram or scrolled through my mood would dampen. Now, I would not call myself insecure in any way however a quick scroll through social media instilled a feeling of being behind in some way.
As if everyone was already reaching the finishing line whilst I was still tying my shoelaces. Now, it is through no fault of beauty influencers but social media, prominently Instagram continues to cultivate a system in which the objectification of women is amplified, and unrealistic lifestyles are foregrounded.
I adore social media just as much as anyone else, the interaction you can gain with people from multiple backgrounds is unmatched. The opportunities for networking are incredible and the accessibility for independent businesses is equally as amazing. My issue comes though, with how as a young woman your only shot at gaining a following is by feeding into a system that objectifies women.
As an experiment I ask any of you who can be bothered to go and look at the Instagram page of your favourite female youtubers. I guarantee you will find AT LEAST one bikini selfie or extremely revealing pictures. As a progressive woman I support women feeling confident and embracing their bodies, but it becomes concerning when the only way women can gain and maintain a following is by showing that you are pretty enough for it. It is as though influencers are asked: Are you pretty enough for us to keep following you? If so, show some skin.
I asked some male friends what their explore consisted of and all of them replied with some myriad of female beauty influencers. Most of which were half naked or wearing very revealing clothes. Again, I will say it is not through the faults of the influencers; they are stuck in a one-way system. Instagram has created a space where women are placed in the age-old box of being pretty dolls with not much to say.
In terms of Mental health, it is no secret that a majority of people suffer from depressive episodes fuelled by social media and the most critical reason why is comparison. When you are consistently shown photographs of beautiful women who have photo-shopped their pictures or had surgery to reach a certain aesthetic, you start to yearn for that yourself. This is not because women are ‘soft’ but rather we are almost force fed this content to the point where it is impossible not to compare. I unfollowed beauty influencers and my explore page is still FILLED with stunning women that fit the conventional beauty standards. It is important to mention that 9/10 times these women are not dark skinned like myself but that is a conversation for another day.
What you consume on social media is just as important as what you consume in real life. Your diet for example is important in maintaining your health, there needs to be balance in what foods you consume. It is exactly the same for social media, enjoy the likes and comments but in moderation. Do not allow the internet to be the determiner of your mood or mental state. You have ALL the control even if it appears like you don’t, take charge and do what is healthiest for you. Self care is not just face masks and bath bombs, self care is removing anything and everything that is not positively contributing to your life. Comparing your relationship, body shape, career achievements etc 24/7 is not and will never be positive for anyone.
My point in writing this is to remind you of all of the content you are consuming, if you find yourself comparing or feeling inadequate because of what you are seeing online delete everything. Unfollow the influencers that lead you to comparing and see how your life changes. Your life is on track, log off Instagram for a few days. I promise you will see a change. If not, I give you permission to sue me.
Originally published at http://culturetalkswithkim.wordpress.com on April 27, 2020.
