THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS: SETTING UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

TITLE: THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS: SETTING UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

AUTHOR: VARSHA KALYAN, STUDENT AT DELHI INSTITUTE OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT, DELHI

In current digital era, every age group is familiar with social media networks. Influencers have enormous popularity and impact through social media. They have the ability to define cultural expectations, shape trends, and influence consumer behavior due to their massive followings and carefully controlled content. One concerning component of this influence, though, is the tendency of some influencers to create unrealistic standards, especially in terms of success, success, and lifestyle.

The Illusion of Perfection: Social media influencers often present an idealized image of themselves, showcasing flawless skin, perfect bodies, and luxurious lifestyles. These images can create an unrealistic and unattainable standard of beauty, leading many individuals to feel inadequate and dissatisfied with their own appearance. The constant exposure to edited and filtered images can create a distorted perception of beauty, where imperfections are hidden and only the "perfect" is celebrated. Behind the scenes, influencers spend hours for the perfect picture, choosing the most flattering angles, and editing out perceived flaws. This can create a false sense of reality, as individuals compare themselves to these carefully crafted images. 

Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Influencers' promotion of cosmetic goods can raise erroneous expectations about their efficiency and necessity. Influencers frequently portray these goods as necessary for upholding societal beauty standards, giving people the impression that they must buy and use these products in order to be thought of as pretty. This may lead to overspending, financial distress, and a negative sense of self-worth. It's critical to understand that social media is frequently a façade and not a true depiction of reality. Intense and draining pressure to achieve effortless beauty can also exist. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy and drive dreams for a lifestyle that the normal individual may not be able to sustain.

 The Financial Implications: Influencers are now important players in determining consumer trends thanks to the development of social media platforms. Their promotion of goods and services can directly affect our purchasing decisions. It is crucial to understand that influencers frequently receive payment for their endorsements and that their financial interests might not always coincide with ours. While influencers may come across as approachable and sincere, it's vital to keep in mind that they often accept free merchandise and cash payments for endorsing particular brands. As a result, we may make decisions on what to buy without considering the real worth or requirement of the recommended things.

The Impact on Mental Health: Constant exposure to social media can lead to low self-esteem and romanticizing of unrealistic lifestyle and beauty standards. The temptation to live up to a specific standard of living can also be excessive because influencers show off their expensive travels, fashionable outfits, and seemingly easy success. Social media use has been linked in studies to higher levels of body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression. 

To mitigate these negative effects, it is crucial to be mindful of the content we consume and prioritize mental well-being over unrealistic beauty & lifestyle standards.