The Negative Impact of Influencers on the Younger Generation
In an age dominated by social media, the term "influencer" has emerged as a powerful label, often synonymous with success and desirability. But what happens when the curated lives of influencers, with their glamorous aesthetics and seemingly perfect lives, become the standard against which younger generations measure themselves? What if the influencers who are supposed to inspire instead lead to harmful comparisons and unrealistic expectations? In this paper, I argue that social media influencers negatively impact our younger generation by fostering unattainable beauty standards, promoting consumerism, and contributing to mental health issues.
To understand the influence of social media personalities, it is crucial to acknowledge the extent of their reach. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 90% of young people in the United States are active on social media platforms, with a significant portion of them following influencers (Pew Research Center, 2021). This massive audience places influencers in a position of significant power over perceptions, behaviors, and self-image among youth. Unfortunately, this influence often skews toward negativity. For instance, most influencers promote idealized versions of beauty that are heavily edited and sometimes even digitally altered. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, exposure to such unrealistic beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction among young people, particularly teenage girls (Tiggemann & Slater, 2014).
The explicit and implicit messages conveyed through social media encourage young people to aspire to look a certain way, which is often unattainable without the aid of makeup, filters, and sometimes invasive cosmetic procedures. A survey conducted by the Royal Society for Public Health found that platforms like Instagram are linked to increased anxiety and depression in young women, primarily due to the constant bombardment of images portraying seemingly perfect bodies (RSPH, 2017). This can lead to a detrimental cycle wherein youths feel inadequate when they do not meet these artificial standards, thereby perpetuating low self-esteem and negative body image.
Furthermore, influencers often advocate for a culture of consumerism that preys on the insecurities of young audiences. Many social media stars collaborate with brands to promote products ranging from cosmetics to clothing, often blurring the lines between genuine recommendation and advertising. This form of marketing can create a toxic environment where youth feel pressured to purchase products to be accepted or to reflect a lifestyle that is frequently unattainable. In doing so, influencers promote a mentality that equates self-worth with material possessions. According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, exposure to influencer marketing can lead to increased compulsive buying behaviors among adolescents (Verhagen & van Dolen, 2011). The pervasive message here is clear: happiness is found in things, and youth may neglect important aspects such as education and healthy relationships in pursuit of material gain influenced by online personalities.
Moreover, the phenomenon of influencers inadvertently contributes to a decline in mental health among young audiences. Social media platforms are designed to encourage addictive usage, which often leads to excessive screen time and decreased opportunities for face-to-face interactions. A growing body of research links increased social media use with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness among adolescents (Twenge, 2019). The curated lives of influencers may create a false sense of community, while in reality, young individuals may feel more isolated than ever. The anxiety caused by the fear of missing out (FOMO) and constant comparisons can lead to serious mental health repercussions.
In conclusion, while social media influencers can undoubtedly be a source of entertainment and information, their prevalence and impact are not without significant drawbacks. They perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, promote a culture of consumerism, and contribute to declining mental health among younger generations. As a society, we need to cultivate media literacy among youth, empowering them to critically assess what they see online and to value authenticity over perfection. By doing so, we can mitigate the negative impact of influencers and foster a healthier environment for the upcoming generations. We owe it to our youth to encourage a sense of self-worth that is not dictated by likes and followers but grounded in genuine connections and self-acceptance.
References
Pew Research Center. (2021). Social Media Use in 2021. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/
RSPH. (2017). #StatusOfMind: Social media and young people's mental health and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.rsph.org.uk/
Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2014). NetGirls: The Internet, Social Networking, and Body Image Concerns in Adolescent Girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 47(6), 630-633.
Twenge, J. M. (2019). iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—And Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Atria Books.
Verhagen, T., & van Dolen, W. (2011). The Influence of Online Store Image on Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions. Journal of Consumer Research, 38(5), 846-860.