Influence epidemic: Why everyone wants a piece of action

Aaron Anthony (YolyBoy), Entertainment & Society Editor

“We now live in a time where it’s more important to look like you’re doing something than to be doing something.”

In a society where clout equals currency and followers seem to determine value, the desire to “be an influencer” has outgrown the desire to influence.

Scroll through your social feed, and it feels like everyone is selling something, shouting something, or showing something – hoping someone will watch.

But what does it mean to be an influencer? And how did we get to this point where the title has outpaced the responsibility?

By definition, an influencer is a person who has the power to affect the opinions, behaviors, or decisions of others, especially through social media, public presence, or niche authority.

They can drive trends, shape ideologies, and spark conversations across beauty, politics, entertainment, faith, fashion, and more.

But in its truest sense, influence is not about popularity – it’s about impact.

Influencers are supposed to:
 Reflect authenticity over aesthetics
 Inspire behavior or action
 Build trust, not just traction
 Use their platforms to educate, entertain or empower
 Hold a consistent identity across their channels
The moment someone starts calling themselves an “influencer,” the real question should be:
Who are you influencing, and how are you helping them grow?

Influence vs. Internet Presence
A common misconception today is that visibility equals value.
Many people now focus on:
 Posting curated lifestyles they can’t afford
 Jumping on every trend for attention
 Faking partnerships or followers to appear “booked