The Dangerous Side of Social Media Influencers

 Sydney Walters

sw844317@ohio.edu 

The rise of social media influencers also means a rise in the popularity of the product they promote. Sometimes this is good, sometimes this is bad, especially recently, there's been an uptick in social media influencers promoting dangerous and harmful products. Since these individuals hold so much power over many people and the products they trust, these seemingly harmless social media accounts are posing a real threat to the vulnerable communities that follow their every move. 

Physically Dangerous

A recent BBC article discusses the recent increase in social media influencers promoting a tanning product banned across much of the UK. This specific product is connected to skin cancer, the article citing two specific women. However, many social media influencers continue to promote the product simply because they make money. Many of the influencers who passionately promote this product have never used it. However, hundreds and thousands of women are putting themselves in a dangerous situation because of the influencers' neglect. 

Financially Dangerous

 

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission recently released an entire information sheet surrounding financial advice. It included a section on social media influencers and the increased financial advice on social media. According to this info sheet, giving incorrect or misleading financial advice is likely a punishable crime and gives some example of the popular advice or products being promoted currently. According to their info sheet, 64% of young people in Australia have changed their financial behavior because of an influencer. 

Social media influencers are often harmless and innocent, even promoting beneficial or harmless products. But they are also increasingly promoting some hazardous products or behaviors that can significantly impact innocent people's lives because the influence these people have on lives is increasing more and more. So, all in all, people need to be aware of the products and behaviors influencers are promoting and do their research before buying into the hype.