The Power of the Influencer

Abstract

Social media influencers have become a huge part of our daily lives, shaping how we think about beauty, success, and happiness. But behind the glamorous, curated content they share lies a more troubling impact, especially on younger audiences. This paper dives into the negative effects of influencer culture, including body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. By constantly promoting unattainable beauty standards and lifestyles, influencers create a cycle of comparison that leaves their followers feeling like they don’t measure up. Using theories like Social Comparison and Self-Objectification, this research explores how influencers encourage people to compare themselves to these idealized versions of life. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy, unhealthy habits like extreme dieting, and even mental health struggles. While some movements, like #RealPost and body positivity campaigns, aim to promote authenticity and self-acceptance, they still face an uphill battle against the perfection-driven culture that dominates social media. This paper also highlights solutions, including teaching media literacy to help users recognize unrealistic content, encouraging influencers to be more transparent, and adjusting social media algorithms to limit harmful posts. By tackling these issues, we can work toward a healthier, more inclusive online space where people feel good about themselves instead of constantly comparing their lives to others.

Year Manuscript Completed

Fall 2024

Senior Project Advisor

Scott Douglas

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Integrated Studies Degree

Field of Study

Communications

Document Type

Thesis - Murray State Access only

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