Social media has become a pervasive aspect of modern life, with platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok increasingly dominating the online landscape. With the rise of these platforms, a new breed of internet celebrity has emerged: The social media influencer.
These individuals, who have gained immense popularity or established a significant following on social media, are often seen as aspirational figures by young people.
They are often considered experts in a particular niche and use their influence to promote products, services, or ideas to their followers. There are currently a total of 1,425 influencers in Bangladesh -- ranging between 1,000 and 10 million followers.
Social media influencers have become a significant part of adolescent culture, and many young people are influenced by their lifestyles, opinions, and behaviours.
While some influencers may have a positive impact, may appear harmless role models at first glance, there are concerns that they may negatively shape adolescents' identities, particularly on their mental health and self-esteem.
One of the most significant negative impacts of social media influencers on youth is the promotion of unrealistic beauty standards. Influencers often present a curated and edited version of their lives, using filters and other tools to enhance their appearance and create an idealized image of themselves.
This can create an unattainable standard of beauty for young people, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
Moreover, many influencers promote harmful diet and exercise practices, leading to unhealthy behaviours among youngsters.
Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, and many young people spend hours scrolling through their feeds, comparing themselves to others and thereby feeling inadequate.
Another negative impact of social media influencers is the pressure they put on young people to constantly compare themselves to others. Influencers often showcase their seemingly perfect lives, which can make young people feel inadequate or unhappy with their own lives. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
Furthermore, social media influencers often promote consumerism and materialism, which can lead to excessive spending and financial problems among young people.
Influencers often showcase expensive clothing, accessories, or beauty products, which may create a false sense of need among their followers. This can be particularly damaging to the vulnerable youth who may not have the means to purchase these products.
Studies have shown that social media influencers can have a significant impact on adolescents' purchasing decisions, with many young people reporting that they have bought products after seeing them promoted by influencers.
Social media influencers can also have an impact on adolescents' online safety. Many influencers promote risky behaviours, such as excessive drinking or drug use, which can encourage young people to engage in similar behaviours.
In addition, some influencers may share personal information or encourage followers to share personal information, which can put young people at risk of online harassment or stalking.
It is important to recognize that the content shared by influencers is often curated and does not reflect reality. It is also essential to promote critical thinking and media literacy among youth, so they can differentiate between what is real and what is not.
Parents, teachers, and other adults should also engage in open conversations with young people about the pressures of social media and the importance of maintaining a healthy sense of self-esteem.
By doing so, we can help young people navigate the challenges of social media and lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Tasnimul Zannah is a teacher at a private school and a Journalism and Media Studies graduate from Jahangirnagar University.