Understanding the Duality of Influence: Being an Influencer and Being Famous
Hi Alex, thank you for the question! I recently caught a snippet of a YouTuber discussing the term 'Instagram famous.' As she shared her reaction to a TikTok influencer getting thrown off a plane, she mentioned this 'Instagram famous' label as a 'cringe moment.' She argued that being famous on TikTok or Instagram is far from being globally recognized or significant.
What Does It Mean to Be an Influencer?
Being an influencer means having the ability to impact the purchasing decisions or opinions of others through social media or online platforms. It's not necessarily about fame; it's about influence. Many influencers build significant followings by connecting with their audience authentically, sharing genuine experiences, and offering valuable recommendations. Even the smaller influencers can create a substantial impact in their communities.
A true influencer is often self-proclaimed as an expert in a given field and tends to have an inflated sense of their own capabilities. They believe they can sway people's buying habits or social practices. However, it’s important to note that not everyone interested in this field is genuinely influential or authentically connected to their audience. In many cases, it becomes part of a modern trend—following the herd, much like people who are famous for being famous, which is often an empty accolade.
Is Influence the Same as Being Famous?
No, being famous doesn’t necessarily mean you’re influential. Fame often implies a broad, global recognition on TV and other media channels. Influencers, on the other hand, are those who contribute to a field or niche by providing valuable insights, recommendations, and authentic content. Being 'famous for being famous' isn’t as meaningful as actually contributing to a community through genuine engagement and positive energy.
The Value of Influence Over Fame
It’s important to differentiate between influence and fame because the former is about making a meaningful impact, while the latter is often about superficial recognition. Influence can be measured by how many people are positively impacted by your content, and it often requires hard work, dedication, and authenticity.
In our age of social media, where everyone can be a voice, it’s crucial to understand that influence is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Some influencers may have a large following but lack depth, while others may have a smaller but more engaged and loyal audience. True influence is more about building genuine connections with your audience and providing value rather than seeking out superficial fame.
In a world where self-proclaimed influencers can often be seen as self-important and nonessential, it's important to recognize the value of those who truly contribute to their fields. True influencers understand that the impact they make is more important than the number of followers they have.
In summary, being an influencer doesn’t equate to being famous. It is about making a meaningful difference through content and engagement. The key is to cultivate influence through genuine connections and valuable contributions rather than focusing solely on superficial fame.