Lecture Notes: The Irresponsibility of Influencer Culture

Key Takeaways

• Main Theme: The irresponsibility of influencer decisions, particularly on Instagram.
• Personal Reflection: The speaker feels Instagram is becoming increasingly irrelevant.

IG Reels Controversy

• Introduction to IG Reels: Initially viewed as an odd feature, but some influencers have used it creatively.
• Case Study: Influencer Daisy Choi fakes a stalking incident to promote her merchandise.
  • Publicity Stunt: The influencer suggested she was being stalked, which was later revealed to be fabricated for marketing.

Who is Daisy Choi?

• Profile: 21-year-old influencer with 1.3 million YouTube subscribers and 400K on Instagram.
• Content Focus: Aesthetic videos, back-to-school shopping, and visually pleasing content.
• Personal Aesthetic: Speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a visual aesthetic in content creation.

Stalking Incident Breakdown

• Initial Post: Daisy posted an Instagram Reel claiming to be stalked, showing gifts left at her doorstep.
• Audience Reaction: Many viewers expressed concern for her safety, suggesting she should report it or take precautions.
• Subsequent Developments: Daisy's claims escalated, with gifts becoming more elaborate and reaching friends globally.

Social Media Dynamics

• Instagram Broadcast Channels: Introduced as a tool for creators to engage followers.
  • Concerns: Risks of misinformation and the potential for influencers to manipulate narratives for engagement.

Audience Concern and Backlash

• Community Reactions: Viewers were genuinely worried about Daisy's safety.
• Criticism of Behavior: Many felt her actions were trivializing real issues surrounding stalking.
  • Advice: Viewers warned against acknowledging stalkers and suggested reporting to authorities.
• Merch Launch Revelation: Daisy announced a new merchandise line that coincided with the stalking narrative, leading to accusations of insensitivity.

Public Response to Marketing Tactic

• Negative Backlash: Many fans expressed disappointment, stating that using stalking for marketing was inappropriate.
• Critiques of Strategy: The term "stalker marketing" was criticized for being insensitive to real victims of stalking.
• Broader Implications: Highlighted the moral responsibility of influencers in their content.

Conclusion

• Reflection on Influencer Responsibility: The importance for influencers to consider the implications of their actions on their audience.
• Final Thoughts: The incident showcases the blurred lines between content creation and ethical considerations in influencer culture.

Homework Assignment

• Takeaway: Reflect on the ethics of influencer marketing and the responsibility of creators towards their audience.