De-Influencing: The Latest Social Media Trend

In recent years, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It has also given rise to a new phenomenon known as “influencer culture.” Influencers are individuals who have built a large following on social media platforms by creating and sharing content that resonates with their audience.

In November 2022, Harvard Business Review reported that the influencer marketing industry was worth $16.4 billion dollars with projections at $21.1 billion for 2023.

However, with the rise of influencers, there has also been a backlash against them. This backlash has given rise to a new trend known as “de-influencing.” In this article, we will explore this new trend and its impact on social media.

What is De-Influencing?

De-influencing is the process of reducing or eliminating the influence that social media influencers have on our lives. This trend has emerged as a response to the increasing prevalence of influencer marketing and the perceived negative effects of influencer culture. De-influencing involves unfollowing or unsubscribing from influencers and seeking out alternative sources of information and entertainment.

This includes following people who discuss why you *don’t* need trending products. This stands in contrast to the popular format many influencers follow, where they often promote products that they claim have changed their lives and will do the same for their followers.

The feeling of constantly needing the next best thing has become overwhelming and unrealistic for many social media users. As a result, more people are becoming aware of overconsumption and the importance of financial responsibility, which has led to the rise of this trend.

Why are People De-Influencing?

There are several reasons why people are choosing to de-influence. Firstly, many people are becoming disillusioned with the curated and often superficial content that influencers post. Influencers often promote unrealistic beauty standards, consumerism, and a lifestyle that is unattainable for most people. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety among followers.

Secondly, there is a growing concern about the authenticity of influencer content. Many influencers are paid to promote products or services, and this can make their content feel disingenuous. In addition, there have been instances where influencers have been caught faking their content or buying followers, which further erodes trust in the influencer community.

Finally, some people are de-influencing as a way to take back control of their time and attention. Social media can be a major time sink, and following influencers can make it even more difficult to disconnect. By de-influencing, people are reclaiming their time and focusing on activities that bring them joy and fulfillment.

The Impact of De-Influencing

The #deinfluencing hashtag has gained significant traction on TikTok, with over 540 million views. Every day individuals and influencers alike are adding momentum to this social media movement with an array of videos.

While the impact of de-influencing is still being studied, there are already some indications of its effects. One positive impact is that it can lead to greater mental well-being. Studies have shown that social media use is linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression, and de-influencing may help reduce these negative effects.

De-influencing can also lead to a more diverse range of perspectives and experiences. By seeking out alternative sources of information and entertainment, people can expose themselves to new ideas and ways of thinking. This can broaden their horizons and lead to a more enriching life.

Final thoughts

De-influencing is a new trend that has emerged as a response to the increasing impact of social media influencers. While the trend is still in its early stages, it has the potential to lead to a more fulfilling and authentic social media experience. This can include shifting buying habits and combating overconsumption.

Whether you choose to follow influencers or not, the most important thing is to prioritize your mental well-being and use social media in a way that enriches your life.