For The Exclusive,
By Proma Ajoy Shil
Social media has altered the manner in which we associate and communicate with one another. Additionally, it has sparked a brand-new occurrence: Social media celebrities.
People who are able to influence the opinions and actions of their followers on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are known as influencers.
Although influencers can be beneficial, there is growing concern about how they influence young minds.
Young adults are particularly vulnerable to pressure and are more likely to constantly compare themselves to those they see on social media.
It is essential for all of us to maintain awareness of the fact that influencer culture is a world that is extremely artificial and superficial.
We should forgo both contrasting ourselves and others at the expense of our own prosperity, and consequently expecting that a powerhouse post is legitimate or reliable. Particularly among the youth, influencers are frequently viewed as role models and trendsetters.
They are often seen as embodiments of achievement, prominence, and excellence. As a result, "aspirational" content, in which influencers promote products that promise to make their followers to like them and showcase their opulent lifestyles, has grown in popularity. However, not all the content that influencers promote is healthy or positive.
Unrealistic body standards promoted by many influencers can encourage body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among their followers. They also encourage their followers to buy things they don't necessarily need or can't afford, promoting materialism and consumerism.
Social media forces us to be reckoned with, making comparisons. Teenagers face enough peer pressure from in-person interactions without having to deal with stress caused by influencers on social media. Since these celebrities frequently present a perfect, sparkly, and fun variant of their lives, it can make a feeling of examination for youthful devotees.
Anxiety, depression, issues with sleep, and a negative body image have all been linked to this increased social comparison among youth.
It is critical to perceive that influencers are not inherently terrible or harmful.
Positive messages, such as body positivity, awareness of mental health, and social justice, are frequently promoted by many on their platforms.
However, it is essential to question the motives behind the content we consume and to be critical of it. We ought to be aware of the way that forces to be reckoned with are frequently paid to advance items, and that their substance may not be altogether certifiable.
In conclusion, social media influencers can have both positive and negative effects on young minds. While we ought to be aware of the possible dangers, we ought to also be aware that influential people can be a source of motivation and positive role models.
We can assist young people in navigating the world of social media in a healthy and productive manner by encouraging media literacy and critical thinking.
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