In case you missed it, it’s apparently offensive and out of touch to spend money on anything that someone else may not be able to afford. There’s a recent social media trend where you list 7 things that you think are worth the money. As you may expect, creators are sharing a variety of things like skincare devices, beauty treatments, and subscriptions they personally think are worth the money. Say what you want about influencers, but they’re known to buy and receive boatloads of crap every day, so if anyone should be participating in this trend, it’s them. I, too, would like to know if that $500 red-light therapy mask is actually worth the money.
As you may have predicted, there’s been some backlash. For example, Trisha Paytas received an onslaught of negative comments for her take on the trend, which included Disneyland VIP, tomahawk steaks, pilates, glam, Skims, first class, and Glp1s. Many people took to the comments to share their disappointment with her participating in the trend, while others felt the need to remind her that nothing on her list was a necessity. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I just figured that necessities are always… worth… the… money? Right? Do we need dedicated videos explaining why paying your water bill is worth the money?
I know times are tough for a lot of people right now. Grocery shopping is stressful, and filling up the gas tank feels like a splurge. I’m one of those people who anxiously checks my banking app before making purchases. Believe me, I get it.
But I take everything I see online with a grain of salt and don’t assign meaning to every piece of content that comes across my TikTok FYP. When I scroll past someone who has a seemingly extravagant lifestyle, I don’t get offended because I can’t afford all of the things they have. I either a) like the video and move on with my life or b) feel a twinge of jealousy/desire and… move on with my life. So forgive me for not understanding why anyone in their right mind would proceed to trauma dump in the comments section of a video.
While financial insecurity plagues more people than it should, we’re hardly living through the worst time in history. We have more access to food, water, community, and information than ever before. Things could and should be better, but they could also be a lot worse.
I’m sorry to sound like a boomer, but things like this really do have me saying things like “everyone is offended by everything these days!!!” because what do you mean it’s out of touch to be able to afford flight upgrades? Saying something is worth the money means that it’s worth it if you have the money to spend. I don’t see influencers suggesting that you take out a second mortgage to buy a Birkin, and even if they were, at what point is it your responsibility to manage your own feelings and not expect the world around you to shield you from the things that trigger you?
I don’t care if influencers can afford to fly private to their brand-sponsored bachelorette parties. What I do care about is when they act like they’re a marginalized group in society just because some people called them annoying.
The owners of a Nantucket antique/basket store recently put up a “No Influencers” sign. It was supposed to be a “tongue-in-cheek” way to encourage people to use their eyes, and not just their phones, to appreciate the store and its inventory. After years of overtourism and supposedly obnoxious influencers, many of the locals have had enough.
This prompted many influencers, most notably Paige Paul (formerly Lorenze), to accuse anyone who’s anti-influencer of also being anti-feminist. As if not wanting people to loudly film in your small business is akin to not allowing a woman to open her own credit card.
I consider myself to be a micro-influencer, although I resonate with the term “creator’ more since I’m more of a shit-talk-on-the-internet kind of gal than a drop-the-link kind. I do think many people underestimate and undvalue creators and influencers. However, I can’t help but think that if you don’t understand why a small business might be turned off by influencers, you’re either lying or need to put the phone down.
Creators, specifically ones who create content in public, are notorious for ruining the dining and shopping experiences of people around them. Instead of running to social media to take down a small business, use some of the energy to call out your annoying ass peers.
So, no babygirl, you’re not oppressed. You’re just annoying! And that’s okay. Be annoying all the way to the bank and enjoy your brand-sponsored baby shower. Your life’s not so bad, ya know?
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First sentence of this made me laugh aloud. And I get it, I am very insufferable when I'm feeling tight for cash! It is literally gross to think about the wealth distribution in this country/ on the planet! But it's the same reason I roll my eyes when I complain and someone says it could always be worse. Like??? And!!?? I refuse to acknowledge only the extremes.
It's way too easy to scroll past. And I love Trisha (can't friggin wait for her memoir in Nov)!!
I am glad that the store in Nantucket put up a "No influencers" sign. The irony makes me laugh because, at the same time, this has made news and is more than likely increasing their business. It's also a reminder that sometimes we need to put the phone down, touch some grass, and relax. Comparing anti-influencers to being anti feminist is just wild; I mean, how did that escalate that quickly, lol. I agree with just scrolling through and going on with your life on IG and TikTok. If someone has money and can afford the nice stuff, fine. No one is forcing anyone to buy shit we don't need; it's a choice we are all making. Marketing exists, and these influencers are just doing a job; that's all that it is.