Are Influencers the real problem?
Maybe. But the lack of reflection makes it a bigger problem
We often say that the problem with today's world is that everyone is an influencer. We live in a world were everyone on social media has the power to influence people. But influencers were always there. Parents, Extended Family and neighborhood/tribe used to be the influencers of the past.
The problem is the lack of reflection. Hunter-gatherers are used to being with themselves for an extended period of time either while walking to forage or while waiting for the hunt. Even up until 20 years ago, influence was limited to the time we are in physical contact with the influencers. Study abroad and the influence vanishes and you are exposed to new influences and plenty of time to reflect.
The problem started when we took our phones everywhere. Wake up in the morning and the thin brick comes with us everywhere. We are constantly stimulated, be it while we brush, take a dump, go for a run, chop vegetables, office commute or even when watching a movie on Netflix. We are constantly stimulated with information from influencers that we have very little time to reflect on those information.
Stop consuming for the sake of consuming. Start reflecting and recalibrating your senses and taste to start your self-actualization journey.