As the year comes to an end, people start figuring out their goals for next year. Those goals could include going to the gym, being more organized, or traveling more. Some people even follow influencers who share their goals. Unfortunately for most, those influencers set unrealistic goals that the average person can’t achieve.
Influencers have a life that many people aspire to replicate. They have the perfect closets, the best cars, and they seem to have every aspect of their day put together and organized. Of course, we don’t know what their lives are like behind the scenes. But that shouldn’t dismiss the fact that they have it a lot better than most of us. They have dreams and aspirations, too. I mean, who doesn’t? However, they have greater wealth and privilege, which means that some goals are easier for them than others.
One quick example would be gym influencers. Yes, they record themselves doing the workouts, and they also provide their workout routines. Except sometimes they advertise that their ab routine will have you snatched in 30 days. Unfortunately for you, that probably isn’t true. In fact, if we’re being completely honest, the workout alone won’t achieve their perfect figure. But you know what will? Plastic surgery. This can generate insecurities in people, especially the younger generations who are easily influenced.
Long-term goals or short-term goals
The majority of people either have long-term goals or short-term goals, and the same goes for influencers. It’s these types of goals that we might share. However, there are still differences that arise between an influencer and the average person.
When it comes to short-term goals, we have more in common with influencers than we think. Maybe it’s making a habit to start a new skin care routine, or you want to read a book a week. The divide comes with the cost of products. Let’s say you’re watching an influencer who is recommending a product that is a lifesaver. You go to check the price…$85 for a tiny bottle! Someone working a minimum wage job can’t afford an expensive bottle that won’t even last long.
The divide is even more prominent with long-term goals. Take a fitness influencer who is demonstrating a fitness routine that will get you in tiptop shape. This routine will supposedly make you look just like the influencer: the hourglass figure, glutes to die for, and a top half to match. Unfortunately for you, this influencer can afford the surgeries that will actually enable that perfect figure. So, while you might get good results from that workout, it won’t be what was advertised.
Out of touch influencers
The reason I brought up short and long-term goals was to provide a lovely segue into influencers who are out of touch. What I mean when I say “out of touch” is the influencers who have become so massive that they have lost their relatability. They don’t resonate with their audiences anymore, which can lead to people unfollowing them.
Jaclyn Hill, Mikayla Nogueira, and James Charles are just a few examples of influencers who are out of touch. Not to mention, all of those influencers who do super expensive hauls, PR hauls, and promote luxury items, which to them is considered “normal.” These things don’t make influencers relatable or connect them with their audiences. Instead, they’re in a totally different world!
Additionally, when they then complain about their low view counts (looking at you, Jaclyn), they tend to distance themselves even more. Or, it could be complaining about how “tiring” their workday is. Whatever the reason, it can come off as them trying too hard or completely fake.
What even makes an influencer relatable?
A major goal for influencers (besides influencing you to buy their products) is to create relatable content. This content connects them with their audience on a deeper level. By being relatable, they’re more likable, which draws more fans and creates a bigger platform. So, how can they come across as relatable?
One way is to be themselves. This includes showing the good times and the bad. This demonstrates that influencers don’t have a perfect life; they still make mistakes and have bad days, just like us. Additionally, they shouldn’t try to present as someone they’re not just to please fans. Because, let’s be real, that’s not exactly a healthy lifestyle.
The one downside is that the more popular they get, the more out of touch they become. They start earning all this money, and suddenly they’re like a completely different person! Of course, this isn’t all about influencers. However, a good majority of them seem to forget their humble beginnings and are willing to do anything to stay relevant, which means losing relatability.
Is it because they’re rich?
Are these influencers out of touch or simply used to a lavish lifestyle? For instance, take influencers who just happen to have wealthy parents. They view their lives as totally normal, since all the designer products they own are common within their social circles. So when they are hyping up a product, they’re going to show what they’re used to, which may be a high-end product.
Of course, these people can still be considered out of touch. They have a harder time relating to the lower classes, which can be said about all rich people, even if they aren’t celebrities or influencers. However, attitude is everything. The distinguishing factor is humility, which is where our “out of touch” influencers come in.
Such influencers like to flaunt their money any chance they get, parading their designer bags, fancy vacations, and expensive makeup. They try to come off as relatable in their videos, but really, they’re bragging. Not to mention, most of their solutions involve throwing money at the problem. Not exactly the relatable life they want to portray.
A huge divide
So not only do influencers have better means to achieve their goals, but they are also under the impression that everyone has the same resources that they do. To them, a low price for lunch for two would be $100 at a high-end restaurant. To the lower classes, that’s like eating at UNO’s with a family of four.
Another division is the lack of understanding about what constitutes a “normal job”. An influencer’s job can essentially be boiled down to social media, so their work schedule looks a lot different from ours. If you’re active on TikTok, you’ve probably seen this video of Mikayla Nogueira. When I first saw it, I was shocked. Like, babe, most people are lucky if they get out at 5:19. Granted, I’m not sure what time she started; however, that shouldn’t really matter. Since she probably edits her videos from home and is her own boss, I’d say that she has it a little easier than someone working a grueling 12-hour shift.
Also, when influencers collaborate with a brand, the price of their products usually goes up. So not only are you paying for the brand; you’re also paying for the influencer’s name. Mind you, some of the collabs don’t even have the influencer’s name on the product, so why should you have to pay more? Yes, they have to promote their brand; however, jacking up an already high price just because it has your name on it is odd. Especially if you are trying to appeal to an audience that cannot afford the same things as you.
Not all influencers
There are cases where it seems like we gave influencer status to the right person. One example is Serena Neel, an influencer who gives back and uses her platform for good. At Christmastime, she goes above and beyond with Angel Trees. She leaves food and drinks for delivery drivers and provides a claw machine where they can win prizes like crockpots.
Of course, a lot of influencers donate their money and do giveaways. However, if the intention is just to make themselves look good, there’s a problem. Sometimes these acts of kindness can be mistaken for chasing clout and fans. And that could be true to some extent. It’s important to remember that the more fans a person gains and the more engagement they receive on their videos, the more money they earn. With this money, they can continue giving to the people who need it.
Honestly, who cares if they’re doing nice deeds for a little bit of clout? If they have the right intentions and are using their money to help others, don’t they deserve their platform? This topic has spanwed heated debates. However, in my opinion, if the money is going to a good place and the influencer has good intentions, then we have made the right person famous. Additionally, if the person is humble about their money and genuinely deserves it, who am I to judge?
How does this relate to New Year’s resolutions?
Influencers like to share parts of their life, including their goals, which is yet another way for them to relate to fans. If your goal is to have a more organized life, you may watch an influencer who displays their organized house. First off, their house is ginormous, which makes you realize that their organization level is more intense than what you need. Additionally, you learn that all of this stuff is way out of your budget. Not off to a good start!
You can clearly see that the influencer is normalizing the overconsumption of products that you’ll barely use. They may claim that you can achieve your dream house in just a few short weeks, too. But that couldn’t be more wrong.
You see, when they buy organizers or renovate their houses, it costs money (obviously). Unfortunately, if you’re a broke college student, spending that type of money isn’t realistic.
Generating insecurities
Social media is known to generate all kinds of insecurities, ranging from body dysmorphia, financial insecurity, lifestyle comparisons, and so on.
This can interfere with your life goals. You may watch a video of someone around your age and compare yourself to them. Maybe they already have their own place, are in a loving relationship, or are in the best shape of their life. I don’t know about you, but these videos make me feel like I’m behind in life and that I have a lot of catching up to do. This can create motivation, but it also feels frustrating when progress is slow.
Unfollowing influencers won’t make the insecurities go away; there’s always someone else just like them. Honestly, some influencers may not even realize that they’re triggering insecurities. If you struggle with any of the things I listed above, the best thing you can do is distance yourself from social media for a little bit and work on overcoming your insecurities.
Focus more on yourself and less on influencers
That heading may seem harsh, but it’s true. By engaging with influencer content, even if it’s leaving a hate comment, you’re still boosting their videos. Instead, try turning off your socials for a day and prioritize yourself. That’s the best way to achieve your goals.
When you redirect your attention to yourself, you can start to see real change. Your confidence grows, you find your own personal style, and you tap into what makes you, you. Comparing yourself to others, especially those with a very different lifestyle, is not how you get anywhere in life. Sure, it’s good inspiration, but you have to remember that they have more advantages when it comes to “improving” themselves.
Lastly, not being on social media as often can improve your mental health and wellbeing. You won’t be surrounded by unrealistic body types, toxic personalities, and degrading comments. This can spark a host of insecurities, as well as a decline in mental health. If one of your resolutions is to improve your quality of life, a good place to start would be to put down your phone and enjoy the fresh air.
Influencers can be good for many things. Whether it’s recommending new products, passing on a workout, or just showing a day in their life. Unfortunately, they are also the source of unrealistic expectations. Putting down social media and investing in your own life is a great way to enter the New Year. The only thing that’s stopping you is yourself.
