Behind the Glamour: The Mental Health Challenges of Being a Pakistani Influencer
Image Source: CNBC
The rise of social media has given birth to a new phenomenon –influencer culture. Influencers have become the new celebrities, with millions of followers and the power to shape opinions and influence consumer behaviour. However, the impact of this culture on mental health is a topic that needs urgent attention.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have created a culture where people are judged based on their appearance, lifestyle, and popularity. Influencers are under immense pressure to maintain a certain image and are often criticized for any deviation from their perceived persona. This can devastate their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide.
Image Source: Shodaland
Furthermore, the constant pressure to create content and maintain engagement with their followers can take a toll on an influencer’s mental health. They are expected to be constantly available, responding to their followers’ comments, messages, and requests. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion, impacting their mental and physical health.
The constant scrutiny and pressure to maintain their image can lead to anxiety and depression, with some influencers even sharing their struggles with mental health on their platforms. For example, Pakistani influencer Areeba Siddique shared her struggles as a social media influencer on Instagram, urging her followers to prioritize their mental health.
The influencer culture has also led to a rise in comparison culture, where people constantly compare themselves to influencers and their perceived perfect lives. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even body dysmorphia.
The damage that the influencer culture is doing to mental health must be acknowledged. To support and equip influencers with the tools they need to care for their mental health. Additionally, social media platforms must accept accountability for how their services affect mental health while also offering tools and help to their users.
In conclusion, a toxic environment that is bad for mental health has been cultivated by the influencer culture. It’s time to recognize the toll it’s having on influencers’ and their followers’ mental health. As a society, we must begin taking steps to help people impacted by this culture by offering them resources and assistance. We must strive to establish a more welcoming and encouraging online community where people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment.
