They both like and dislike. They make people discuss, talk about themselves, and even agree. Influencers, today, move mass opinions, and not charging them with a great deal of responsibility as they spread messages can be highly dangerous and anachronistic.
But let's start at the beginning. It always makes one smile to mock those who would not give up "scrolling" in a heartbeat and think that the smartphone is no longer solely the bodily extension of a young audience approaching technology with neophyte curiosity, but an integral part of the lives of target audiences between 35 and 44 and even 45 and 54.
According to Australian research* from the University of Technology Sydney, there would be as many as 46 (analyzing the period 2003-2018) harmful effects caused directly by social media and among them: anxiety, depression, harassment, incitement to suicide, cyberstalking, delinquency, jealousy, information overload and lack of online safety.
Overall, one wonders whether since the publication of the above research, measures have been taken to prevent, treat, moderate, and monitor negative user reactions: well, no.
Reflection, as anticipated, then shifts to the role of influencers, the people who with their load of followers impact more rather than less on the state of mind of other ordinary mortals.
Let's get to Chiara Ferragni, who tells her 29,5 million followers with a rather sloppy and confusing storytelling about buying vacation homes, gifts from luxury brands, her children's private schools, starry dinners, and private jets.
Let's focus on private jets, for one thing. It made noise when the left-wing Greens proposed during the campaign last election that it be abolished. It made the political counterparts laugh and did not move the “privileged” owners of them in the slightest to show themselves on board.
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Granted that this is not the context to discuss policy proposals, what, on the other hand, is the role of an influencer duo of the Ferragni/Fedez caliber on these issues?
What about that of personalities who move 5.3 million followers from one side of the world to the other?
The recent scandal involving Giulia De Lellis, former Uomini e Donne and Big Brother VIP, girlfriend of Carlo Gussalli Beretta, heir to the Beretta empire (the arms one), who indulged in a training day with the IDF, the army of an apartheid regime and recently declared fascist dictatorship, while on vacation in Israel.
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Flaunting, yes. But being careful not to s**t out of the pot, right?
*source ansa.it
Illustration by Gloria Dozio - Acrimònia Studios
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