In the age of social media, there are two predominant opinions when it comes to influencers and those aspiring to become them. Some people can't stand influencers and have a strong opinion that they are dumb, annoying, and cringe-worthy. However, there are also many who adore influencers, take inspiration from them, follow their content, and support them. Whether we like it or not, being an influencer in our digital age comes with numerous advantages.
A recent story shared on Reddit sheds light on some of the benefits that come with being an influencer. The post was made by a user who received an invitation to a free dinner at a restaurant. However, she refused to take her boyfriend along, as he had always complained about her habit of taking food pictures and posting them on Instagram. The post gained significant attention, garnering almost 15,000 upvotes and over 1,800 comments.
According to the original poster (OP), she enjoys taking food pictures and occasionally receives invitations from restaurants to try their food in exchange for reviews, despite not having a large following. On this particular occasion, she was invited to a new restaurant opening which included a free appetizer and entree for two people. She promptly invited a friend from Instagram who shares her love for food photography. When she informed her boyfriend about this, he became angry and accused her of doing it out of spite.
The OP argues that it is hypocritical of her boyfriend to criticize her hobby, yet want to reap the benefits when it becomes successful. The Reddit community mostly sided with the OP, agreeing that her boyfriend's attitude was exhausting and judgmental. Comments like 'Go and have fun with someone who isn't a sourpuss' reflected the sentiment of many users.
Let's take a moment to explore the world of influencers and how the term itself came about. Surprisingly, influencer marketing has been around since the 1930s, with its roots traced back to ancient Rome, where even gladiators recommended goods. However, the term 'influencer' gained traction only in the early 2010s, as social media started to become popular. It was officially incorporated into English dictionaries in 2019.
Many of us have likely watched influencers on social media and thought about how amazing it must be to make a living by simply recommending products or sharing our daily lives. According to CNBC, more than 57% of Gen Zers stated that if given the opportunity, they would like to work as influencers. Furthermore, about half of Gen Zers perceive being an influencer as a respectable profession, and a similar percentage would leave their current jobs to pursue influencer status if it allowed them to maintain their preferred lifestyle. Shockingly, 30% of young people would even pay to become influencers.
Now circling back to the story that sparked the Reddit debate, was the woman justified in choosing her supportive Instagram friend over her boyfriend to attend the free dinner? Of course, opinions may vary, but it seems that many people believe she made the right decision. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to determine the value they place on their own passions and the support they receive from their partners.
In the world of influencers, benefits like freebies, invitations, and the potential to monetize their content undoubtedly exist. However, it's important to remember that being an influencer is a profession like any other, requiring dedication, hard work, and the ability to connect with audiences. While it may seem glamorous from the outside, there is often a lot more happening behind the scenes.
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the woman was justified in taking her supportive Instagram friend instead of her boyfriend? Share your opinions below!
