Driving a SUV worth more than $50,000, wearing a $385 Versace Greca Sunglasses, and holding a Starbucks drink or vegan juice on a midweek day, under a beautiful blue sky with a cool, sunny breeze. This is the image of broken dreams and aspirations for many who follow influencers selling consumerism while promoting a perfect life of happiness based on materialism and positive narcissism– a personality disorder which is even promotive on books like:
Some experts argue that certain influencers profit financially from the broken dreams of many of their followers. With messages like: “You can achieve it too, just don’t give up” and “If I made it, you can make it too.” This ignores the fact that the influencer did not reach their dreams through conventional means such as going to university, working hard, or simply relying on positive thinking. Instead, the money is generated from selling illusions and false hopes of success, sustained by their followers’ views and likes.
In this blog, we will explore one type of influencer: LIFESTYLE AND FAMILY because of its strong ability to shape culture and societal values:
So, why do we follow influencers who do not promote human values but instead consumerism and vanity? An analysis of materialistic culture and its impact on society.
In the digital era, influencers have gained surprising power to shape our perceptions, desires, and aspirations. Figures like @evesther or similar personalities have an almost magical ability to connect with thousands, even millions, of people. Many of these influencers display lifestyles full of luxury, material success, and apparent personal achievements. But why do we follow people who, despite not always offering deeply human messages, manage to wield such strong influence over their followers? Is this really the society we want to build?
The fascination with material things
We live in a world where success is measured in material terms. Luxury homes, expensive cars, exotic trips, and high-end brands are symbols of status that were promoted back in the 1950s and have only continued—and become more accentuated—in the present day. In one way or another, we have all aspired to what we believe will bring us happiness: STUFF.
STUFF: Buying and consuming equals “Status = value”.
Source; https://youtu.be/l60VadBewk4?si=IKn3wu1x5k78PO1d&t=19
NARCISSISM: Persuading people by imitating empathy for others just to manipulate you into following them.
Source: https://youtu.be/bYQsxYxKjJg?si=BJi9frqXtdaEPg9F&t=235
Social media companies only focus is to tell for its advertisers, something that viewers forget to recognized that the business model of these social media platforms is gains to reinforce this idea that happiness is having stuff, so their advertisers can sell us more stiff. Therefore, behind with every post, every story, and every video from our favorite influencers, are the tech companies, pushing algorithms that promote materialism instead of values and human depthless– which ultimately have been proven to be a long-term source of real happiness.
Instant gratification and dopamine:
Beyond the superficial shine of these influencers’ achievements, there is an emotional void that many of us fail to see. Influencers like @evesther or @manage to hook their audiences not only because of what they own but also because of how they make us feel: they sell us the idea that if we follow in their footsteps, we can have something similar in our lives. They sell a promise of material success that appears to be the path toward happiness and fulfillment.
Is it really the influencers’ fault?
Although influencers bear a large share of responsibility in the way they manipulate our emotions and desires, the blame for this fascination with superficiality also lies with us, as a society. We live in a culture that prioritizes material values over human ones. Success is no longer measured by good deeds, integrity, or empathy, but by the material goods we can acquire or the status we achieve. Social media feeds this mentality, creating constant competition to show what we have rather than focusing on who we truly are as people.
Why do we follow empty figures?
It’s true that many of these influencers are not known for intellectual depth or moral principles. Yet, they still manage to connect with their followers in surprising ways. How do they do it?
- Social aspiration: Followers are not only looking for entertainment; they are looking for something to aspire to. Many see in these influencers a role model, a path toward self-improvement that, in most cases, is tied to owning more, being more visible, and earning more money.
- Creating emotional connection: Influencers like @evesther don’t just share content; they create an emotional bond with their followers, often touching on universal themes like adapting to a new country, the feeling of loneliness, or the search for purpose. These topics go beyond what they have and tap into what the audience feels, making followers identify with them and feel part of a community.
- The illusion of authenticity: Many influencers create a sense of closeness through informal or “genuine” posts, though in reality, it’s a carefully designed strategy to generate empathy. This deception creates an illusion of connection that keeps people believing they are following someone authentic.
And what about the good people?
Good people—those who truly make a positive impact on society but do not seek the spotlight or wealth—are often ignored or even rejected. Why? Because, sadly, we live in a society that does not value people for who they are but for what they have. Genuine acts of kindness, empathy, solidarity, and authenticity are not always rewarded with attention or admiration. It is easier to admire someone who shows you how to gain material success than someone who teaches you how to be a better human being.
The responsibility of content creators
Nevertheless, content creators carry great responsibility. With so much power over the collective mind, they can choose to reinforce materialistic values, but they can also promote humanism and authenticity. Some influencers have chosen to use their platforms to educate about issues that truly matter: mental health, healthy relationships, ethics, sustainability, and the importance of community. Unfortunately, they are often the least visible.
What can we do as a society?
It’s time to change the narrative. As a society, we must begin to value what truly matters. Not everything in life revolves around what you own or what you display.
- Redefine success: Start valuing people more for their integrity, empathy, and authenticity, rather than the material goods they possess.
- Promote human values: As a community, we have the chance to highlight those who truly make a positive impact on their surroundings, beyond the possessions they may flaunt.
- Be mindful of the content we consume: While influencer content can be entertaining and aspirational, it’s important to stop and reflect on what we are consuming. Is this a healthy model? Is it teaching us something valuable for our lives, or is it only selling us an illusion?
Conclusion
Influencers, though often superficial figures, hold great power over the emotions and aspirations of their followers. But we must not allow that power to divert us from what truly matters in life. We should not fall into the trap of measuring human worth by possessions, but rather by how we live, how we interact with others, and how we contribute positively to society. In the end, true wealth lies in the values we cultivate and the authentic relationships we build.
What do you think about this issue? Do you believe society is truly trapped in a cycle of materialistic admiration, or are there ways to change this narrative?
¿Quieres que te lo prepare también en formato más periodístico/blog, con subtítulos en inglés como “Introduction, The Appeal of Luxury, Responsibility, Conclusion” para que quede listo para publicación?