Although the spectacle of influencers flaunting their affluence has long been a staple of social media, there are signs that audiences are growing tired of it. Experts say “influencer fatigue” is wearing on young people who crave authenticity as inflation rises and achieving a stable livelihood becomes increasingly difficult.

According to data from a YPulse study shared with Yahoo News, 45% of people between the ages of 13 and 22 say influencers just don’t have the same power that they used to. About 53% said they were more likely to trust recommendations from regular people online whom they don’t know rather than creators with large followings.

Influencer marketing once offered an alternative to typical celebrity marketing. Celebrities appeal to us as salespeople because of the psychological phenomenon known as the halo effect. If someone is talented or beautiful, we assume they are highly qualified in other ways as well, which boosts sales. Influencers, who are powerful but not conventionally famous, offered a more relatable and accessible alternative. They’re far enough removed from celebrities that we can relate to them — until we can’t.

  • JovialSodium@lemmy.sdf.org
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    9 months ago

    There’s certainly more dangers and risk and that’s important to be mindful of, but I don’t agree that it should be limited to having to have a local or a guide.

    Some more unsolicited advice to that end.

    • There are some places it’s not advisable to go. Perhaps due to conflict or civil unrest.
    • There’s more risk if there’s a common cultural bias against you (nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual preferences, etc).
    • Research if and what tourist targeted crimes are common ar your destination, as well as scams.
    • Affluent areas tend to be safer. And still very affordable, comparatively.
    • Don’t carry a lot of valuables. Enough cash for whatever your outing is. I also recommend keeping a travel specific debit card with no international fees and keeping a small balance on it and carry that around. A low limit credit card could also work.
    • Let people back home know where you are and check in. If your country has a consulate there, keep that info handy.
    • Risks for being a target are higher for women because the world is awful like that.

    I know that’s seems like a lot, but it really boils down to being mindful, aware, and prepared.

    Edit: split out conflicts and biases and removed a mansplainy bit.