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By Christina Muttavanchery ('23)
The impact of social media has allowed many people to fantasize about becoming influencers. They dream of becoming like the people they see online; blessed with enough fame and money to have the privilege to do whatever they want. Even in a pandemic.
Influencers such as the Kardashians, Larray, Charli D’Amelio, and James Charles, go out and party during the pandemic without a care in the world, but as soon as the paparazzi jump for questions about where they spent their weekend, they have an apology memorized and posted on every social media platform. How many more times until the apology is no longer genuine?
These “role models” that young kids follow are the same ones disobeying safety guidelines for the sake of a party. However, not all influencers exemplify this poor behavior. Many influencers (like Tyler Oakley) do hold their fellow friends and creators responsible and call them out for making irresponsible decisions. They even spread awareness and information about how one can stay safe during COVID-19.
In times where others are struggling to pay bills and are losing their jobs, the Kardashians reserved a private island in Tahiti, with the promise to give a COVID test to every visitor. Is this responsible? To host and attend a party when the state of California says specifically not to do so for the health and safety of themselves and others. These influencers risk the lives of those who do follow the guidelines, unlike the selfish decisions they make by traveling right after going to big gatherings/parties. What they preach on their platforms is extremely embarrassing and contradicting.
The Hype House, widely known across TikTok, is filled with young influencers (some of whom are still teens) who are known for going to the Bahamas during the pandemic but refuse to comment about their trip. They go on with their lives without bringing it up for about two days and then post an emotional video about how much regret they have about it. When Charli D’amelio was asked if people are “jealous” and that’s why they’re coming down hard on them, she dared to reply “no comment” as if that was a possibility. Fellow TikToker Noah Beck who also went to the Bahamas said they needed to be able to “reset.” This is not an excuse. Some people aren’t able to travel to their loved ones at the risk of spreading the virus.
What frustrates many is that these people apologize repeatedly for their mistakes, yet they continue making them. By partying and vacationing, they are stealing valuable moments and memories from the rest of the population. Why can’t these young influencers just stay home? Well, they’ve gotten so familiar with using their money and fame to obtain what they want that there is no reason for them to stop. Especially when no one is telling them to stop, but encouraging them by still watching their videos and following them on social media platforms.
The public’s need for entertainment lets them keep their platforms. Instead of watching influencers make unsafe decisions during COVID-19 and using their platforms to stream it, the public should educate them and their peers. Influencers know better, especially when their own families are quarantining. But for some reason, they feel as if they don’t have to. It’s because of their title, they can do no wrong. It’s time to hold so-called role models and influencers who party during COVID-19 who choose not to listen to state safety guidelines accountable.
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