As inflation rises and securing a stable livelihood becomes increasingly difficult, authenticity is resonating more than extravagance.
Although the spectacle of influencers flaunting their affluence has long been a staple of social media, there are signs that audiences are growing tired of it. Experts say “influencer fatigue” is wearing on young people who crave authenticity as inflation rises and achieving a stable livelihood becomes increasingly difficult.
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According to data from a YPulse study shared with Yahoo News, 45% of people between the ages of 13 and 22 say influencers just don’t have the same power that they used to. About 53% said they were more likely to trust recommendations from regular people online whom they don’t know rather than creators with large followings.
Influencer marketing once offered an alternative to typical celebrity marketing. Celebrities appeal to us as salespeople because of the psychological phenomenon known as the halo effect. If someone is talented or beautiful, we assume they are highly qualified in other ways as well, which boosts sales. Influencers, who are powerful but not conventionally famous, offered a more relatable and accessible alternative. They’re far enough removed from celebrities that we can relate to them — until we can’t.
Don't trust anyone trying to make a living off of selling you anything, even something less tangible like a lifestyle.
If you have extra income after living expenses, set a little aside for personal enjoyment and save/invest the rest. The future is uncertain.
If you want to travel to far flung destinations and have the means to do so, consider skipping the resort experience. You'll spend much less especially in developing countries and have a more authentic (relatively speaking), and rewarding experience.
In the 70s and 80s, if a fast talking guy with sunglasses and slicked back hair and in a checkered suit wanted to talk to you about the latest greatest thing .... you knew they were selling something shitty.
Today we call those people influencers.
They were a trend back then, they're a trend now and will die out when the next trend starts ..... probably brain implanted advertising inside your dreams or something like that.
It's something that every generations grown up with ....
Some babe's talking real loud
Talking all about the new crowd
Try and tell me of an old dream
A new version of the old scene
The last point has to come with a huge caveat. Some of those developing countries are pretty unsafe outside of resorts without a guide or a local that knows where you should and shouldn't go.
There's certainly more dangers and risk and that's important to be mindful of, but I don't agree that it should be limited to having to have a local or a guide.
Some more unsolicited advice to that end.
There are some places it's not advisable to go. Perhaps due to conflict or civil unrest.
There's more risk if there's a common cultural bias against you (nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual preferences, etc).
Research if and what tourist targeted crimes are common ar your destination, as well as scams.
Affluent areas tend to be safer. And still very affordable, comparatively.
Don't carry a lot of valuables. Enough cash for whatever your outing is. I also recommend keeping a travel specific debit card with no international fees and keeping a small balance on it and carry that around. A low limit credit card could also work.
Let people back home know where you are and check in. If your country has a consulate there, keep that info handy.
Risks for being a target are higher for women because the world is awful like that.
I know that's seems like a lot, but it really boils down to being mindful, aware, and prepared.
Edit: split out conflicts and biases and removed a mansplainy bit.