Can we trust social media influencers? Are online influencers being used responsibly by brands? by Samantha Read https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp Try to support your points with evidence from credible sources and research. en-us 2021-03-03 13:43:14 UTC 2025-04-24 12:48:36 UTC hello@padlet.com Can have negative impact on mental health https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292335621 Companies using influencers to advertise certain drinks that will make you skinny in a week by drinking them. For example, Khloe Kardashian advertised skinny tea whose audience is younger. However, these drinks are harmful. These adverts can affect young people's mental health as it may lead them to believe that they should look like that.]]> 2021-03-10 11:33:46 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292335621 Laws protect people https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292340505 I have researched in different pages and I have watched some videos, and my conclusion is that social influencers are being well used by brands. The different brands have some advertising laws influencers have to take into account as well as influencers have recommendations to take into account when participating with brands. As well, the different social medias have their policies, that if they are not followed, they have the right to delete the publications.
On the other hand, we can find some associations that control publications of adverts people do, these are called CAP & ASA.
The ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) is the UK´s independent advertising regulator and it makes sure ads across UK media stick to the advertising rules.
]]> 2021-03-10 11:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292340505 Influencers under pressure https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292342293 The documentary clearly shows under influencers feel pressured by brands to maintain and engage their following. Despite this, influencers are being depended on by others to help them with their mental health.]]> 2021-03-10 11:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292342293 Influencers are emotionally connected to what they endorse https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292352222 This article discusses how social media influencers are effectively used by brands where there is an emotional connection to what they are endorsing. ]]> 2021-03-10 11:39:32 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292352222 It is the platforms which are superficial https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292360483 This is a really interesting video that argues that it is the platforms which distort the truth and people need to realise that it is fake.]]> 2021-03-10 11:42:32 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1292360483 People trust social media influencers more than brands https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309665507 2021-03-15 08:52:02 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309665507 Influencers can harm a brand's reputation https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309672066 2021-03-15 08:54:22 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309672066 https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309932012  According to McGarth, 2020 77% of 16-24year olds which follow influencers have bought products because an influencer has either used or promoted it, making this one of the most powerful digital marketing methods ]]> 2021-03-15 10:26:02 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309932012 during the COVID-19 pandemic the UK government used influencers in order to promote the use of the test and trace service and it is suggested by a government spokesman that through using these influencers “over 7 million people have been reached” (BBC, 2020). https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309953368 Demonstrates how Influencers can be used responsibly to engage with the younger demographic to actively help the wider nation ]]> 2021-03-15 10:33:51 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/1309953368 For and Against https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2079785508 -       Grey and YouGov - 96% of people in the UK do not trust what influencers say (The Drum, 20221)
 
-       However, 6 in 10 teenagers would listen to influencers as a role model (Parry, 2021) This could be dangerous during ‘self-identity’ growth phase.
 
-       Can lead to social comparison which brings issues such as mental health, promotion of self harm and suicide. (BBCPanorama, 2019)
 
-       Younger people particularly can be easily influenced which can have detrimental impacts on things such as body image (unrealistic average) – Not always an ethical way to market a product/service.

 -  The internet and social media is often difficult to regulate in terms of comparison to other marketing tools e.g. skinnycoffeeclub and social media companies do not take responsibility.

-       However, this is a great marketing tool in terms of reaching vast numbers of people quickly. Followers are likely to look up to the influencer, making persuasion easier as the individual wants to relate to or ‘be like’ the influencer.
 

]]> 2022-03-06 10:30:05 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2079785508 Laws protect consumers to an extent https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2081444374 Although advertising laws are in place in the UK and are enforced by the ASA, it isn't always successful. As shown in the Panorama video, the internet is worldwide and so the issue of jurisdiction can hold enforcement back. Brands are therefore using influencers responsibly to an extent, as there are still some brands, and influencers themselves, who do not follow these regulations. Unfortunately, I think it's mainly the consumers' responsibility to be informed about influencer marketing, which can be done by reviewing the ASA advice pages (ASA, 2022).]]> 2022-03-07 11:27:57 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2081444374 Modified Results https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2081463760 To gain more sponsorships a lot of influencers may lie about a products effectiveness, especially when it comes to beauty products. This may include using filters, airbrushing, etc., which gives a false image and installs unrealistic results. Pressure from the brand of even the influencer themselves maybe be pushing them to modify the products results to make sure that they are able to gain more sponsorships in the future. By having a positive effect on a products sales in a their portfolio, they can present to other brands to gain more sponsorships and even partnerships with a brand. ]]> 2022-03-07 11:43:01 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2081463760 are online influencers being used responsibly? https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2082386525  According to Dipboye et al., 1977,  physical attractiveness can infer qualities of credibility, such as being well informed and logical. 
Companies clearly use this to their advantage as most influencers we see are very attractive. 
Are they a true representation of people who are buying the product? probably not, therefore it can be argued that it is irresponsible. ]]> 2022-03-07 19:19:21 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2082386525 We can't truly trust Influencers because they can't truly be controlled in what they post. https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2082920570 Influencers are drastically different from traditional advertising. When marketing through influencers companies exploit the relationships they already have with their followers. You can say that they are popular due to being third party and not directly affiliated with the brand.
 But exactly because they are third party and work in the unprofessional social media space they can act in ways that hurt the brand by association. The BBC panorama gives examples of influencers that market untrustworthy sites or products one does not want to associate with like gambling and alcohol. Another aspect that comes to mind are political opinions and actions of influencers. Joe Rogan for example seemed like a safe bet for Spotify but is now under heavy fire for what he said. It can be said that influencers are extremely unpredictable and can benefit with their advertising just as much as they can damage.

]]> 2022-03-08 01:44:21 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2082920570 Some influencers can have damaging effects on society https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2083860560 By promoting items that they have no idea  what ingredients they have in, or what they can do to your body can have a huge effect on the younger, easily influenced generations. ]]> 2022-03-08 12:18:10 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2083860560 Influencers can be trusted to an extent... https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2083877921 Social media influencers can be trusted when promoting products to an extent as long as they have history of actually using the product personally. The article linked by Forbes highlights this which states that "62% of respondents agreed that it was unethical for influencers to promote products that they haven't used and 82% of respondents said social media influencers should absolutely disclose any history of personal use when promoting a product"]]> 2022-03-08 12:31:15 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2083877921 Transparency within social media advertisement https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2083973960 They don't have a direct trust with the brand therefore this can't be a true representation of what the organisation has to offer. Financially driven, many brands are not concerned for the transparency of its products and only recognize the sales each advertisement campaign achieves. Over recent times influencers have become more inclined to highlight when they are endorsing products. Institutions such as CMA and ASA aim to regulate posts to ensure that clear evidence is provided to help consumers identify which posts are independent opinions or advertisements. ]]> 2022-03-08 13:30:33 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2083973960 Damaging effects on how people view themselves due to idealised images on social media https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2084069400 “Influencers often depict their ideas about health, eating, vaccinations or fitness as the new normal, and create an expectation that we need to be doing these things too if we want to keep up.”]]> 2022-03-08 14:15:21 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2084069400 influencers should be monitored more closely and cautiously https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2084089076 The way influencers have power over our influencer buyer decisions is worrying but the real danger is the way it changes our perceptions of ourselves. Andy warm previous head of research at instagram describes the danger of the amount of social media posts we consume and the fact our brain is not developed enough yet to understand the amount of content and separate reality from a fake constructed post. Therefore the danger of influencers is with the amount of construction and perfection that goes into a content creating ads that aren't real and therefore providing false sense of reality to viewers. For example if a health product is being advertised a influencer can edit their picture to alter their body appearance to promise the viewers a certain body type when this is not the reality. Influencers have way too much freedom over what false messages they portray and should be monitored more, especially by brand collars as it is in their duty as well. The fact that their income is based off of the power of their posts can be negative swell as they will do what is necessary to look like to best fit for the collaboration, which may not always be ethical and honest. ]]> 2022-03-08 14:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2084089076 Social media and influencers effects body image https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2084101906 Social media has a big effect on how people see themselves. Influencers posting pictures of themselves on their social media gives an unrealistic expectation to the audience. Some influencers have started to post less attractive posts to show the reality and that no one is perfect.]]> 2022-03-08 14:30:06 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2084101906 Social Media Influencers have been seen to promote fake/counterfeit products https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2088224342 https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-sues-influencers-promoting-fake-luxury-products-2020-11?r=US&IR=T

Working with the counterfeit crime unit, Amazon reported the listings and proceeded to sue 2 influencers for a total of 11 people of firms. Kelly Fitzpatrick and Sabrina Kelly-Krejci were fined set to be fined $75,000 each.]]> 2022-03-10 12:33:35 UTC https://padlet.com/samantha_read/ormcgmly8bp4phzp/wish/2088224342