The Dark Side of Influence

I recently stumbled upon something that genuinely disturbed me – a gossip site dedicated solely to tearing down social media influencers. Now, I'm no stranger to online negativity. Trolling, cyberbullying, and general internet nastiness are, unfortunately, commonplace. But this was different. This was a concentrated vortex of hate, specifically targeted at people who dare to… influence.

Same Game, Different Name

Influencers have always been a part of our lives. From Henry Ford telling the world everyone needed a Model T, to Estee Lauder assuring every woman that her cold cream was a necessity. And there were influencers long before them. In the past, influencers were big companies pumping out advertisements to newspapers, magazines, television, radio, buses & taxi signs, and billboards. This really isn’t any different from today’s world. Those same companies found a new way to hawk their goods through sponsorships and affiliates.

No influencer wants to work for free. Sponsorships and affiliates are crucial because they help bring in financial support and enhance their visibility, which can lead to more sponsorships and affiliates. The cycle just continues until it doesn’t anymore.

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But What About those Influencers

We’ve seen the news, read the headlines, and gotten the “details” from other influencers. Heck, we’ve even watched the documentary specials and made-for-television movies about them.

There are a lot of people who are (or are hoping to become) influencers of some sort who are truly good people. People who love and care deeply about the well-being of their families and children. They work hard to ensure their loved ones are not being exploited or harmed by their independent desire to have a blog, channel, etc.

I caution you not to lump them all together.

Down The Rabbit Hole of Resentment, We Go

The site's premise is simple: anonymous users dissect and criticize every aspect of an influencer's life, from their fashion choices and travel destinations to their relationships and sponsored content. No detail is too small, and no criticism is too harsh. It's a relentless barrage of negativity, fueled by what seems like pure, unadulterated resentment.

At first, I thought it might be satire, a clever commentary on the often-exaggerated world of social media. But the comments quickly disabused me of that notion. These weren't witty jabs; they were deeply personal attacks, filled with spite and venom. The anonymity emboldened users to say things they would likely never utter in real life.

Why So Much Hate, Bro?

I started to wonder what drives this kind of intense animosity. Is it jealousy? Do these anonymous users resent the perceived & 'easy' life of an influencer – the free products, the exotic trips, the seemingly endless stream of followers? Is it a reaction to the curated perfection often presented on social media, a desire to tear down the facade and expose the 'real' person underneath?

Whatever the reason, the sheer volume of negativity is staggering. It's a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of the internet and the ease with which people can inflict emotional harm from behind a screen.

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The Human Cost

It's easy to forget that influencers are real people with real feelings. They may present a polished image online, but they're still vulnerable to criticism and abuse. Imagine waking up every day to a torrent of hateful comments, dissecting not only your appearance, your choices, your very being, but that of your children, your spouse, your entire life. The psychological impact must be immense.

I'm not suggesting that influencers are above criticism. Constructive feedback is essential for growth. But the negativity on this site goes far beyond constructive criticism. It's pure, unadulterated hate, and it's frankly sickening. This kind of vitriol serves no purpose other than to tear down individuals who are simply trying to share their lives and talents with the world.

You might think that influencers should have anticipated the backlash that comes with putting themselves in the public eye. While that perspective has some merit, there are a million reasons why someone might choose to take that leap. Maybe they're drawn to the spotlight and are chasing fame. Or maybe, they see it as a way to make enough money to get them out of their current financial situation. Some may simply wish to impart their knowledge or experiences to a wider audience.

You can read MY reasons HERE.

Um, Empathy Anyone?

As a Social Worker, a mom, and a decent human being, my brief foray into this influencer hate site left me feeling deeply disturbed. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, critical thinking, and responsible online behavior. Before you leave a negative comment, take a moment to consider the human being on the receiving end. Is your criticism constructive, or is it simply designed to inflict pain? Let's strive to create a more positive and supportive online environment, one where kindness and respect prevail over hate and negativity.

Know Better, Do Better.

Discovering this gossip site was a jarring experience, highlighting the darker aspects of online culture. The anonymity afforded by the internet can embolden negativity and hate, often directed towards social media influencers. While constructive criticism has value, the content I encountered was primarily personal attacks lacking empathy. It serves as a call to action, urging us all to promote kindness and responsible behavior online.

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