The influencer economy has become a billion dollar industry, resulting in a surge in the number of “uncertified” bloggers competing to achieve lifestyle guru status.
Former social media influencer and “wellness guru” Belle Gibson first caught public attention after claiming she cured herself of terminal cancer by rejecting conventional medicine in favor of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Her story was documented on a blog and social media, which became the basis for a successful book and app, featuring lifestyle advice and healthy recipes.
The rise of lifestyle gurusClaims about how to heal illness through diet and alternative therapies are far from novel. What is new is the unprecedented speed and scale afforded by online transmission. Social media also enables bloggers to monetize their following through advertorials, affiliate programs and blog shops.
There is no commitment to independent testing procedures and results by objective, scientific methods. Rather, online metrics validate their status. Lifestyle gurus connect and inspire their followers through disclosing their struggles and vulnerability. Each life crisis, confession and revelation shared online results in more likes and followers.
Low trust societyOur trust in lifestyle gurus is a direct response to the crisis of confidence in institutions and professionals. We live in a low trust society where the very notion of expertise has come under scrutiny. In this context, lifestyle gurus use social media to present themselves as ordinary, “authentic”, and accessible by positioning themselves as alternative authorities “outside of the system”.
Blogs and social media have democratized information, but they have also confounded issues around trust and credibility through altering how we seek advice and how we decide what to believe. It should be no surprise to discover that the low barriers to entry provided by digital technologies create conditions for deceit and exploitation as well as access and participation.
इंडिया ताज़ा खबर, इंडिया मुख्य बातें
Similar News:आप इससे मिलती-जुलती खबरें भी पढ़ सकते हैं जिन्हें हमने अन्य समाचार स्रोतों से एकत्र किया है।
Opinion | Why aren’t Trump and Republicans pilloried for failing to ‘reach out’?Why do only Democrats have a moral obligation to 'reach out' to the other side's voters?
और पढो »
Opinion | Here’s why women have fled the GOPOpinion: Here’s why women have fled the GOP
और पढो »
Opinion | Why President Trump and Hungary’s authoritarian leader are soulmatesThe U.S. president is emulating Viktor Orban’s game plan for authoritarian rule.
और पढो »
Opinion | Ken Jennings: Why I’m rooting for James Holzhauer on ‘Jeopardy!’Ken Jennings writes for The Post: Why I’m rooting for James Holzhauer on 'Jeopardy!'
और पढो »
Why Trump keeps talking about a failed coup | OpinionTrump’s claim to have thwarted a coup is perhaps his most dangerous and undemocratic rhetoric to date, and that is really saying something.
और पढो »
Opinion | Why Bill de Blasio?Isn't one socialist white male enough?
और पढो »
Opinion | Why the Michael Flynn revelations are so importantOpinion: Why the Michael Flynn revelations are so important
और पढो »
Opinion | Why Justin Amash stands aloneOpinion: Why Justin Amash stands alone
और पढो »
Opinion | Why Trump actually has many advantages in 2020From the electoral college to voter suppression to more help from Putin, he's got lots of thumbs on the scale.
और पढो »
Here's Why We Cannot Just 'Nuke' HurricanesHere's why you can't just drop a nuclear bomb in a hurricane to destroy it.
और पढो »