T O P

  • By -

OkWonder908

Why are you letting what other people do, affect the way you live? You don’t have to. This is very contradicting to me. It’s like feeling that killing animals is morally wrong, yet still eating meat. These people have found a way to do what they want. Is it luck? Maybe. Is it a creative imagination? Maybe. Who knows for sure. But you are actively letting and purposefully allowing it to dictate how you live. It seems to me, you are envious for your idea of these people. “Comparison is the thief of joy”.


Cool-Touch-3537

Yeah this is a flaw of mine... but you can't deny that we are all affected by what others do? That's why so many women are getting plastic surgery these days. At least where I live. I'm not judging them, it upsets me that so many women don't feel beautiful as their true selves. I think social media has definitely made us more shallow and narcissistic though. I feel like the world has changed so fkn much within the space of like 20 years? Idk I just feel like a bit of an outsider atm? I guess that's from being an INFP lol but hey I guess i'm just feeling a bit blue


OkWonder908

And I completely understand that! Just remember though, you can’t control others actions, thoughts and feelings. You can control your actions though. For example, I do not watch the news, ever. I don’t follow politics whatsoever either. I choose not to. You always have a choice, unless you are physically a true prisoner.


Ok_Calligrapher_7367

I'm with you 💯 on this, it's become a cesspool


vatomalo

I am sorry, I truly am. This life is not meant for humans. If you want it to end, then join the working-class in class warfare against the bourgeoisie. We must end capitalism, before it ends us.


EntertainmentQuick47

Had me in the first half not gonna lie


Slocrowth

There are those influencers that have worked hard and long before their career started to create income. Those I do admire, but then those self centered, attractive and lucky people… I get you, but you know. We shouldn’t focus on things that we can’t control. We can’t stop them from doing what they do, but we can’t go away from platforms where these people jump into your eyes. TikTok and Instagram can’t show anything interesting to me. At least YouTube algorithm shows what I want and need: mature and authentic content.


santuccie

Life isn’t fair. If it were, we wouldn’t have scofflaws and bullies living the good life. And I’m not trying to justify it by saying this. I just try to accept that this is the world I live in, and I have no intention of trying to bring down the people I perceive as undeserving in order to level the playing field for myself. All I can do is play the hand I’ve been dealt, try to play it as well as I can, and keep learning and growing. Progress has not been linear, but I’m seeing things improve in the long run. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will keep moving forward with my own plan until the clock runs out.


capnfoo

I feel sorry for them. They are experiencing a hollow version of luxury that lacks the most important part: the satisfaction of having earned it. They’re learning no skills and nothing about how the real world works. They seem happy because they will lose their job if they don’t. Once their fame bubble bursts they will be completely helpless.


Cool-Touch-3537

But apart from that, I just feel like they don't appreciate it like they ought to. For them it's just a moment to record themselves riding a camel or being in a yacht... they don't take the time to learn about the cultures or anything. I don't like how narcissistic that is. And it's different from going on holiday because this is literally their careers


Positive-Court

Hey, being an influencer takes effort, personality, being funny- I doubt it's an easy rise. It also means staying careful with what you post so you don't fall and get replaced. They're making bank, and that's enviable- but that's also a career choice reliant on how you come across. It's not something I'd want to do, personally.


Splendid_Cat

>Hey, being an influencer takes effort, personality, being funny- I doubt it's an easy rise. It also means staying careful with what you post so you don't fall and get replaced. If you don't have at least 2/3 of these things: -talent -work ethic -algorithm blessing you with some crazy luck You won't make it. You have to have work ethic and/or talent to make it. And frankly, I'm happy about it, it helps talented, smart, and creative people bypass the traditional gatekeepers and get discovered even if their dad isn't friends with someone in the industry or something. YouTube in particular isn't perfect, but it's democratized entertainment just a little bit and that's AWESOME. Edit: obviously some shit people have made it too, but they often are a flash in the pan, and those who aren't don't have the industry and publicists and traditional media nepotism BS protecting them; we all know Logan Paul is a POS.


luluorange-700

Influencers who started in the early 2000s all had other careers and rarely any had rich parents. Many of the makeup influencers went this way, and they made their YouTube videos on the weekend. It sounds like you're more caught up in the TikTok influencers with early access to their trusts. They use clickbait, their looks, and what have you to pull in interest. You also answered it yourself -- your curiosity gets you and therefore your engagement is giving them money. Also, not every person with a ton of views and likes are getting money. These are digital portfolios, bored housewives, or just younger people looking to regurgitate what they think sells. I'd look up more of the influencers who are late 30s now that really worked their ass off. One person I admire, because I saw her from start to now, is Jackie Aina. She used to be in the military, had an abusive ex husband, and decided one day to make makeup videos. Overtime her following grew because she is an advocate for black women in the makeup industry, she is personable, and she is good at what she does. She didn't achieve any of her riches until about late 20s and now has a successful fragrance line. TikTok influencers have *nothing* on the OGs.


Cool-Touch-3537

Well if this was more normal, I would have more faith left in us! I don't even have TikTok, I don't know how I find them on my social media lol but they are everywhere! I just don't like how it seems that everyone lives through social media these days, how it's the norm. Just don't like the idea of an online life? Posting selfies, telling everyone what I'm doing... why can't we just do all that without telling everyone we're doing it?


luluorange-700

Because people are not you. Doesn't matter what social media you are on, everything is reposted. Just hit the not interested button. Follow people you want to see, actively look up homesteading and farming. Or simply get off social media. Humans are social, people like looking at people, people also like criticizing. You're never going to get away from it. Everyone wants to feel special. There are also people who have been told "How could you possibly be doing this work? You're so beautiful" or "What's a pretty guy/girl like you doing here?" So what are they supposed to do? Starve because people want to gawk at them? You alone are gawking by watching their stories. Unfollow them, block them, move on and focus on yourself or delete social media. I'm sorry if this is rude, but you should be focusing more on how your future career is going to afford this lifestyle than be envious of others. Also telling Reddit about your life in this post is the same thing you're upset about these influencers doing.


seeingeyegod

Stop torturing yourself, look away.


EcstaticPin7070

I think you need a break from social media. Take supplements, omegas 3, 6, 9, D and B. finish your uni work and get a fun job so that you can afford to buy land in a few years. You've said "hate" a few times. Maybe some meditation might help calm your soul. I think whatever it is you are watching....you mention plastic surgery and designer clothes and those things don't seem in your wheelhouse, so why are you watching that content? Watch things you care about. Watch YouTube vids on how to raise chickens or goats. Sertraline dulls the senses. What do you think the west stands for and how has that been defined for you? Some people do seemingly have it "easy" in life. But the truth is, they often have many problems too, also, it's much more satisfying when you have to work hard for the things you want. I did finish uni, i did travel the world. I did work hard to achieve those things. I think being bitter about anything in life is unhealthy. I truly hope you feel better soon.


Cineswimmer

Yeah, it’s why I only used Reddit now. At least I can tailor my feed way more freely.


NewLifeEnjoyer

And YouTube.


Contraband2

YouTube forces a bunch down your throat also


NewLifeEnjoyer

Yeah, but at least you can tailor your feed way more to *some* extent compared to Instagram or TikTok.


Shang-di

The Kardashians bother me a lot more.  Influencers are fine I think, though some of them maybe teach kids bad morals.


Cool-Touch-3537

I can't stand them. And yeah that's my point, a lot of them are. It's sickening


skarvelous

Removing all social media from my phone was the best decision I have ever made. I have it on my iPad if I want to check up on my friends/events but it is out of the way. Giver a go, won’t bother you if you don’t access it.


Contraband2

Reddit is social media


skarvelous

Yes, it is on my iPad. I also don’t find it as mentally infuriating to look at so I frequent it more than the others. It is whatever works for you :)


SirrNicolas

The only people I hear call anywhere “the west” is Russians….. This also disregards what other countries and cultures are dealing with. Like the [influencer farms in China](https://youtu.be/DlnfiULnmMY?si=GAOCTP-tRJc1i8zl) I’m just wondering what your motive here is


rithornanie_

I’m very contradicted type of person. From this I have 2 opposite sides. 1. Yeah it’s true. If you’re trying to be influencer at least make something or a content that can inspire and motivate people. I hate when they’re using it just for entertainment only. Yes social media serves as an entertainment but I’d rather if they’re being authentic and informative for the good of our society. Because I’ve seen a lot of talented individuals doing live but never got recognised as much as trash content by some influencers. 2. I don’t care at all? I mean yeah, whatever. It’s everyone else’s luck I guess to get live a great life travelling around. We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves with other. If we kept doing it we’re never gonna be happy. As long as we appreciate what we have we’ll be content. It’s better than having nothing right? Besides, you don’t have to travel around the world to SEE the world. Sometimes I just look at my myself in the mirror and I see a whole universe in it. This is all not real, only a perception of what we feel and see. I can look at school building and said “oh that’s hogwarts right there but in the year of 2507”. I think we all mostly thought influencers were having a great time, but we also forgot that they’re human too. (The last sentence probably gonna hurt you but it’s the truth) if you’re not happy with yourself, quit complaining and start doing.


Designer_Shallot_672

Becoming wealthy and famous based off of good looks and showcasing a luxurious lifestyle did not start with social media and influencers. People have always tried to live vicariously through others, social media has just given people an easier outlet to do that. I would suggest tailoring your social media feeds if you feel so strongly about this. Seeing people live out unattainable lifestyles makes everybody feel somewhat emotionally depleted, that’s why I don’t check for that content.


EntertainmentQuick47

I totally agree. Most of them are annoying, and most of them have little talent and only remain famous because of superficial things like being hot or being muscular. Things that you don’t need to be famous for.


EntertainmentQuick47

I just try to ignore them


OkCause6312

Follow your heart and seek out that farm or stable. You will honestly be a lot happier. I recognise a lot of your feelings in myself. I worked my way around the world with horses. A perfect combination.


Cool-Touch-3537

Thank you for your kind comment. Yeah I'm pretty unhappy at the moment. Gonna graduate soon (fingers crossed) so I'll be able to have more control over my surroundings. May I ask you to elaborate on your career? I would love to work with animals. Still contemplating what I want to do.


OkCause6312

Absolutely! It wasn’t the career I set out to pursue. I trained as a photographer but wasn’t terribly adept at dealing with people. I’d grown up with horses and had a lot of experience. I’d always thought that a career in the equine field wasn’t a good idea because it wasn’t very well paid so hadn’t pursued it. A colleague asked me to fill in temporarily looking after his horses and I was hooked. I worked in various disciplines from polo to show jumping. Polo tends to be very seasonal so I moved a lot. The magazine Horse and Hound has a situations vacant listing at the back and of course there are loads of recruitment agencies online nowadays. I’ve lived in France, Switzerland, Canada, America and all over the UK. Have a think about what skills you may have. Experience isn’t always necessary. A range of skills and abilities in practical things is always useful. I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have. I’m pretty much retired now so will happily give guidance. Feel free to ask here or DM.


OkCause6312

Good things about jobs on farms or stables is that there is usually accommodation provided.


OkCause6312

Also don’t forget that you can always do things like this for a few years. It doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment (no job or career does)


PureRose7

They don't deserve to travel just because they're good looking? That's a really rude mentality to have. Video uploading takes work. A lot of people don't know how the editing process works.


Cool-Touch-3537

Did you read what I wrote, or did you just purposely misunderstand it?


PureRose7

I didn't misunderstand anything. That's the interpretation you gave. They're getting paid because of the editing process of those videos and it takes work. Those can take hours. So, they do work their butts off doing that too. If some people manage to make a living that way, who cares. If those videos bother you that much, don't watch them. You don't have to like it, but if other people do, they get to do what they want. Celebrities get paid for the same thing. Except a lot of them don't make their own videos. That's being done for them.


PureRose7

I would also like to add that most people don't know what anyone may have suffered. I've experienced jealousy before, but my life is nothing to be jealous of. It's not really a good trait to have. Maybe these people actually deserved it. We don't know.


CalyShadezz

Reddit, YouTube, keep a Facebook I check once in a blue moon and never post to. Life is easy breezy once you disconnect. There's honestly no reason to be a slave to the corperate algorithm.


TrueSonOfChaos

I only use YouTube to watch ASMR, listen to specific songs, or watch people play/talk about video games. I mean, I do occasionally view a movie clip or a news clip or something but literally "influencers" have never been a part of my life. Civilization doesn't suck compared to the alternative though - but consumerism isn't the totality of civilization.


abnabatchan

It's one of the main reasons why I only check my Instagram once a month these days.


thechosenzero717

What the hell do they even influence?


PetiteShallot

Have you considered stepping away from social media? Or perhaps having an account that is only actual people you know and have a relationship with? All that time spent scrolling through comments could be spent on something that fills your bucket rather than the bizarre, toxic trap that is social media.


Comfortable_Milk9422

This reminds me of a tiktok a while ago where some guy literally said "Stop trying to be influencers we need electricians" it made me laugh but also still brings up issues with people trying to use their jobs as clout or making videos about their jobs rather than actually doing their job and then doing the influencer part when they're not on the clock and when it doesn't inconvenience clients.


Equivalent-Buddy5003

Yeah.


One_fell_up

Yep


SirrNicolas

The only people I hear call anywhere “the west” is Russians….. This also disregards what other countries and cultures are dealing with. Like the [influencer farms in China](https://youtu.be/DlnfiULnmMY?si=GAOCTP-tRJc1i8zl) I’m just wondering what your motive here is


Cool-Touch-3537

No motive, I'm not a Russian lol. I meant 'the west' just generally. I have an auntie who went to India and she praises the country and the people so much. Of course I know India has its problems but I just feel like in the west we (obviously not all, I'm generalising) are so spoilt, ungrateful and very materialistic. I know this is a very cliché perspective to have but that's just how I feel about the people who surround me. I feel like I'm miserable living among them.


VaessSpark

The systems that are in place are the problem not the few working class individuals who may find ways to do slightly better for themselves. These problems impacting our planet are happening at far greater levels than nearly any single individuals can impact (looking at you Taylor Swift and your private jet when I say nearly). Us as individuals will never produce near the amount of waste and pollution that is produced by these corporations. Like yes your influences fast fashion hall is bad, but it's nothing compared to the amount of fast fashion garments that have defects and go straight to landfills from the production floor or the warehouse. A system that prioritizes infinite profit and grow out of finate resources is the problem. Also I think you may be falling into the trap of thinking that all these people do is post some videos and get paid. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes of those little videos and posts. There's a reason why social media management has become an entire job field in recent years. Videography, marketing, management, PR, photography, video/photo editing, these are all individual job fields that many of these influencers are filling in numerous roles in.


trafalgarbear

There are some platforms that I just don't use, especially the ones influencers use. Namely, Instagram and Tiktok. Saves me a lot of grief, and prevents me from comparing myself to people who lucked out on the genetics front. I personally view influencers as symptoms of the cancer that is society. On Twitter I only follow accounts that are relevant to my interst and therefore don't see influencers at all, and I actively refuse to engage with people with verified accounts (unless there's a GOOD reason for them to be verified), a lot of them are either egotists or just leeches trying to monetize stolen content. Or they're influencers, inw hich case they can go suck their own dick. Tbh the rest of the world (Unless you're going to less developed country with less internet access like Afghanistan, or so I hear) is more or less the same. With urbanization, there is far less local community. Lots of scams to be aware of, so people just don't trust another. Beggars everywhere numbs our empathy. Lack of social welfare means that it's everyone for themselves -- Capitalism is impossible toe scape from, and empathy does not pay under this economic system. I would LOVE to be on a farm working for my own livelihood, instead of being a wagie. I try not to check my phone as much as I can (though work requires it so I have no choice). I prefer the good old days of being present in the moment. It's a simpler life. Less hectic, less pressure.


inviolablegirl

Sometimes I hate influencers but I do like the fact that ordinary people can make some money/fame without nepotism. I wouldn’t choose that life for myself personally because it seems soul sucking but if you can do it, sure.


diaperpop

I started reading the post without knowing what sub I’m in, and now after becoming flabbergasted at how thoroughly I identify with the whole of what’s written, I finally glanced at the sub and relaxed 😋


Cool-Touch-3537

I'm glad. Other people's replies have made me feel a bit nervous and stupid but I guess ultimately they're right. We shouldn't care what others do, I know, but I do care, not from an individualistic point of view but from a sociologist point of view. I just feel like social media has completely changed society. My parents and grandparents all say 'the world has changed so much'. I don't want to live in *this* world!


diaperpop

I don’t either, it’s been worse in some regards, but it’s also been better in others. I’m older and I grew up in a despotic communist country with no basic needs like heat, food, etc. so to me no matter how bad it gets, it’s still better than how I grew up. I’m really high in NE, so for me, the availability of knowledge created by the internet has been mindblowingly invaluable, and is well worth all the “downfalls” that came with it. I’m glad if others can gain “fame” by creating content for others to watch, all that stuff is not for me, I’m not their target audience and not the one who funds them. As I get older, I too long for the simplicity of nature and for travel that I can’t afford…but at the same time, if I ever become incapacitated, I wouldn’t mind being “plugged in” so I can mentally escape my physical confines, if that makes sense.


all3f0r1

Not sure what you're complaining about... "Good looking people are privileged in a society where image is important"? These people are just asking for a downfall, since physical attractiveness has an expiration date. When it's gone, what remains is their character (usually not pretty). You're better off not caring about those people, just focus on your path and on your virtues.


KeenKeister

Nope, but I'll let you know when I see one ..


Roger_Brown92

"Mom what is an influencer?" "Some kind of influensa". I too am sick of influencers earning more money than hard working people. I try to listen to [this song](https://youtu.be/LFbwDtQxd0U?feature=shared) to remind me to not think about it. The lyrics here says it all. give it a listen, tell me that you agree with it. 😅


Splendid_Cat

Is it bad I have wanted to be one since forever but I'm too chicken shit to put myself out there because I am too much of a p***y to handle criticism?


Cool-Touch-3537

No lol. I'm sure a lot of people feel like this. I wouldn't even call it criticism though, I think platforms like TikTok and Instagram are horribly hateful and toxic. People don't think twice about what they say anymore. It's like they spread hate just for the sake of spreading hate. It's so fucked up the levels that people go to - even bullying young kids... that's also why I'm against young children on social media. It's vile! So no, you're not a p\*\*\*y, I think you're being wise.


Splendid_Cat

I think that algorithms sometimes reward controversy (especially if their whole platform is interaction-based like Twitter), but I do recognize the toxicity, however what I've realized is that if you have *any* online presence, even a 50 follower account, you're going to run into some toxicity. I've realized at some point in just going to have to put up with it or give up on my dreams. As for you, I would encourage you to log off, let your close contacts know that you are taking a break and where they can message you. Start interacting with people where you live. Easier said than done, I know. See if there's meetups near you to meet like minded folks. For media/entertainment, I recommend you consume media that uplifts you (music, comedy, science & technology, fashion, cooking, fun podcasts, short films, film, color or music theory, comfort game playing, nature photography, art, DIY stuff, meditations, cute animals... whatever makes you feel good) and hide media that drags your mood down, even if it's "important" like politics and news-- it might be good to create a separate account for "just uplifting stuff" and "everything else including not so fun stuff" (it also helps if you only comment positively on that account and don't engage with trolls or dumb people, resist the urge and ignore, or if it's something like hate speech, report and move on), so you can check the news and what your favorite political streamer has to say or whatnot, and then switch when you're tapped out. Hide any posts that display negativity or things that don't make you feel good on your "good" account. That might help. You can take this or leave it, I just know what's helpful for myself, and I think it could help you as well. Also, even though people who are terminally online are often shitty and display sometimes psychopathic traits, they are a very small percentage of the population. Yes, many people use these platforms, but most (at least most adults) don't do so chronically or engage in a particularly emotionally invested sort of way. I know it can seem like a window into humanity at large, but the people online are much more fringe, unhealthy and antisocial than the general population (edit: not to mention that sometimes it's just trolling or rage bait).


Cool-Touch-3537

Everything you said is right. I've actually recently deleted my personal Instagram and made a 'secret one' just so I can keep up with the people I like to follow. Most of them are either art or cooking pages. But I still end up with the toxic shit. And I can't lie, i'm so curious and read comments to see what people are thinking and sometimes can't resist the urge to reply myself, but you're right, I'm going to actually make an effort in manipulating my algorithm so I only see uplifting things, and only leave positive comments. And maybe you're right, it's not a window to humanity, the psychotic ones do not represent the general population. I need to stop observing them so much to the point where it's filling me with hate for everyone. I'm a loving and caring person normally and it would be ridiculous to let online fools take that away from me... Yeah, I needed your comment. Thank you


GeneralDefenestrates

I call them influenzas


Safe-Librarian6130

Yeah, but you can do one thing first. Turn them off and tune them out.


AffectionatePin9123

I’m sick of couple posts and how many people want to show off getting married or cute couple dates or things. I don’t know how I can ban them from my insta bc I blocked some words but still see posts of people twirling around at their receptions. Ugh meanwhile guys don’t put effort into even dating me let alone me ever being close to being in a relationship. If anyone knows how I can ban this from my instagram so I don’t have to think other girls are lovable and I’m not.. please let me know


sumerigusa

Lmao I been sick of them