Do influencers have a moral responsibility toward their followers? ( an essay i wrote for a school competition)

Influencers– in layman terms –are people who have the ability to influence a large group of people. “Do influencers have a moral obligation or responsibility toward their followers?” if I were to speak in a non-conflicting and peaceable way, then– yes, they do have a moral responsibility because they have the resources to persuade and sway the public sentiment (especially creators with a large fanbases) and thus, they need to be mindful of the effect their posted content will inevitably have on the common person– but if I were to express my true opinion, it would prove to be a bit unconventional.

You see, I ardently believe that the internet and the social media platforms on this internet should be used in a true and righteous manner, but the problem which arises is that these terms such as “true’ and “righteous” are relative depending on each person. Everyone has their own definition of what is “right’ and what is “wrong’, thus, we cannot really blame the person (or in this case–influencer) for doing something which goes against our ethics and sense.

But then, am I not claiming that these people have no moral duty towards their fanbase whatsoever? That you can do and act whatever and however you want? No.

Like every other thing in life, balance is essential. You must retain your personal sovereignty – and I wholly understand that in doing so, a large group of people will invariably be offended –but you should also adhere to the moral guidelines set by the platform and your moral compass– that is, your conscience.

Acts like false marketing, setting trends by doubling down on capitalism, profiting off the insecurities of a particular group of people, don’t really serve you as a praiseworthy part of your online persona. These acts only help bring in cash (because the whole premise of capitalism is based upon exploitation). Thus, THIS is the point where I believe an influencer has a moral duty. To devalue such deeds by not engaging in them themselves.

People should be allowed to believe in whatever they want, to showcase themselves and their charisma in any form they want –especially on such a free and liberal digital space such as the internet –but at the same time, if these “rights” are being used to exploit others and spread negativity or propaganda, then that’s where it gets unethical.

Of course, influencers should be mindful of the content they post and its effect on their audience, I’m not denying that. I’m voicing the belief that–Influencers aren't bound to being the person you want them to be. Their followers like and follow them because they share interests with them. The followers are free at any time to dislike and unfollow an influencer. And on the rare occurrence a follower of a certain influencer has been harmed due to extremist tendencies, then they are at fault themselves.

Opinions are formed based on the posts and content that we see others post, but if we end up doing something which backfires under the effect of the misinterpretation of that content, then how is the one who posted the content at fault?

The original point of being an influencer was to spread ideas and prompt inspiration in your followers by emboldening them through showcasing your life and experiences. It was never meant to be used as a platform to promote consumerist and mind-numbing stream of trends which only focuses on prudential reasons of corporate profit and loss.

I absolutely support the entire thesis of this “influencer culture”, but at the same time, I also believe that these influencers are also accountable and bound by the principled expectations their followers have from them.

But the fact remains that people sometimes fail to realise that the person that they like and follow so dearly, is sometimes just another individual who uses entrepreneurial and consumerist means to justify or façade unethical practices. (and I also realise that this might be my prejudice speaking, but I still stand by this argument)

Therefore, in conclusion, all that I have presented about this topic is from the perspective of a 14-year-old student who is trying to grasp the endless expanse of this world and our society through exploring different perspectives and opinions.

I adhere to my beliefs that influencers are responsible for changing public sentiment and bringing about societal trends, but are also not liable for every personal disagreement or clash of opinions people may have with them. I believe they must orate anything they believe in but these actions should not result in physical or mental harm- although contradictorily I have also stated that such terms are relative and we cannot really conclude a fair and righteous result. Thus, my opinions on this subject remain fairly structured but perhaps a bit unaccommodating.

That is all I wish to present, thank you.

danika Jain

Note: there was no AI used in the essay. The usage of Em-dashes was a conscious choice. I urge you to understand that AI generates a hollow and soulless writing style while this one is anything but that.