15 Comments
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The Faraday Room's avatar

Great title, which your essay certainly delivers on. I agree with you that these people are contemptible (perhaps you’re not willing to go that far, but I am). But wouldn’t you acknowledge that the deeper problem is not the influencers, but the influenced? They’re the ones that make me despair for the future of humanity.

Ayra Rafiq's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to read my work! Yes, I completely agree, we should also hold the influenced accountable for mass consumerism as well. Perhaps I should write a part two?

The Faraday Room's avatar

Sure, I’d read it.

Ziane's avatar

Good points were made here. I think it’s fine for people to use socials to promote themselves and their dreams, but there is a point where it becomes soulless.

Ayra Rafiq's avatar

Totally agree! I feel like now boundaries are being crossed via social media, and it is starting to show.

𝒞𝒽𝒶𝑟𝓁𝑜𝓉𝓉ℯ's avatar

Ah I completely agree with your whole article! 💓 I actually wrote a post about this too recently!

On TikTok it really is just ad after ad and it becomes a stream of marketing and paid commission. I always think about the Garnier Sorbet creams that were released recently… the ingredients and fragrance inside them isn’t anything special and could even dry out or irritate your skin, and yet influencers are going around claiming they can already feel their skin is hydrated after one use 🫠 Also the limited edition packaging for the cream seemed like a waste of plastic and the marketing became more about the fact it looked like ice cream instead of whether it can be beneficial for your skin 😭

Ayra Rafiq's avatar

Thank you for your comment! I completely agree with you as well! Please send me the link to your article, I will check it out!

Emorie Ek's avatar

Absolutely, 110%. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Entirely well written.

It feels as though influencers and the ultra-rich and famous promote what people should aspire to have, when instead, as you mentioned, we don’t even have basic necessities (i.e., accessible healthcare, mental health resources, our economy is tanking, useless wars erupting, etc.). Personally all I desire, and what I’ve discussed with others including my therapist, is to touch grass. Literally. To not sit behind a computer all day and to actually breathe in the spring air around me. To spend time with my family and friends as much as possible, and my fur babies. I don’t care about the newest buy on TikTok or Insta (platforms of which I have abandoned). What makes me the most upset, now more than ever, is seeing highlights and articles about the latest Met Gala or Grammy Red Carpet or any red carpet, or any celebrity arena that promotes their fashion and their wealth and their THINGS infuriates me. I literally refuse to read or watch that shit anymore. So, I appreciate you highlighting these things because OMG I FEEL LIKE MOST OF US ARE IN FACT TIRED OF THIS SHIT.

Ayra Rafiq's avatar

Thank you for reading, supporting, and most importantly sharing your thoughts as well! Xo

Daleen Berry's avatar

Hello Ayra. I’m impressed. Really enjoyed your piece, from beginning to end. 🤩 Especially this: “when half of them weren’t even alive.” 😆😂

Ayra Rafiq's avatar

Thank you for your support! Xoxo!

Sherry F.'s avatar

This very true and very well written!

Ayra Rafiq's avatar

Thank you for supporting Xo!