TRENDSETTERS: The rise of social media influencers

The old-school name for trendsetters is influencers. Social media in its sense does not require any introduction. This youth is already familiar with all platforms and every little news spreads on Instagram, YouTube, facebook, etc, faster than a bullet train. Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and interact with each other. It has also given rise to a new phenomenon: social media influencers. Influencers are individuals who have amassed a large following on various platforms.

EFFECTS ON YOUNG MINDS:

Influencers are often perceived as role models, particularly among young people. They are often seen as the embodiment of success, popularity, and beauty. While we should be mindful of the negative influence, we should also recognize that influencers can be a source of inspiration and positive role models.

The generation loves them, but does that mean that they influence healthy and positive behavior?

YES, they do, it just depends solely on who you watch.

INFLUENCERS THAT SHAPED ME?

I would not be the only one who was introduced to social media during COVID. Man, I remember that time, we were so fed up with online classes and all I needed, was an ESCAPE. So I'm going to list down some of the influencers that shaped me as a person.

1. Dr. MIKE: He and I go way back. This guy is the reason I fell in love with everything related to medicine. He is an actively practicing Family medicine Doctor. He makes content on YouTube and also owns a podcast 'THE CHECKUP', which helped me to learn about medical emergencies and how to deal with them.
2. MIA MAPLES: This girl is so special to me. Mia is a YouTuber who posts about beauty, renovation, cooking, and all the fun stuff in between. Her simplicity of content, and love for sustainability, have inspired my style of living. Her videos are literally therapy, not even exaggerating.
3. SAM&COLBY: These two are my best friends, yes I may be a little delusional. They make YouTube videos about horror investigations. Their content is all about spooky fun with friends and an insight into the afterlife. The adrenaline rush that I get watching their hour-long videos is my living hope at this point. They have taught me to overcome my fears and appreciate life
4. NAOMI JON: She is the most confident, baddest, and talented person I know. She can do it all, make incredible music, funny vlogs, food videos, makeup, everything. She is the epitome of a person I desire to be also she calls her fans, broccolis, SO CUTE!
5. Denitslava Makeup: The person with the cutest accent, the prettiest makeup looks, and the best humor. Her videos are what I need on sad day to light up my mood. Such a jolly person and a holy grail to all the makeup I have learned in my life. My guru, for real.

The list is endless, and I have so much appreciation and genuine love in my heart for these influencers who have taught me to be confident, alert, and just be me. In today's time, it's hard to find people on the internet who are a good influence, so I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to find my own people on these platforms, who are the reason I open my laptop every single day, besides studies of course.