Can Anyone Become an Influencer? Three Newbies Share Their Journey!

This article explores the challenges and triumphs faced by three individuals as they attempt to navigate the complex world of social media in just three months. Each participant, Emily, Alun, and Danyah, brings their unique talents and backgrounds, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that comes with seeking validation and connection online. Through their journeys, we uncover the highs and lows of building an audience, the responsibility of influence, and the profound impact of creativity as a means of expression.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Social media can be a challenging environment where emotional well-being is often intertwined with online engagement.
• Each participant faced unique struggles, from authenticity issues to coping with negative feedback.
• Success on social media may not always correlate with numbers; meaningful connections can provide intrinsic rewards.
• Engagement with followers can be overwhelming, especially when addressing sensitive topics.
• Building an online presence can enhance professional opportunities, even if it does not replace traditional career paths.

The Creator Economy: A Double-Edged Sword

The creator economy is rapidly expanding, with projections suggesting it will reach nearly $500 billion (£372 billion) by 2027. This growth reflects a significant shift in how individuals can monetise their talents and passions through social media platforms. However, while the prospect of financial gain excites many, the landscape is fraught with challenges that can affect mental health and self-worth.

Emily: Finding Healing Through Pottery

Emily's journey into the world of social media began after a life-altering stroke at the age of 26. Once aspiring to perform on stage, she found solace in pottery, which became both a therapeutic outlet and a means of self-expression. Despite her reservations about social media, Emily created a TikTok account with the intention of inspiring others who had experienced similar struggles.

Initially, her content received minimal engagement, with her first video garnering only two views. This lack of visibility led to feelings of doubt and frustration. However, a pivotal moment occurred when she shared a video detailing how pottery saved her life. This resonated with many viewers, particularly stroke survivors, leading to an outpouring of support that brought Emily a sense of purpose.

Despite this success, Emily grappled with the pressure to maintain authenticity. She expressed concerns about feeling like a 'fraud' each time she created content, fearing that her portrayal might not do justice to her experiences. The emotional weight of addressing sensitive topics added another layer of complexity, as she felt a strong responsibility to communicate her journey accurately.

As personal challenges arose in her life, Emily found it increasingly difficult to engage with her audience and decided to take a break from social media. This decision highlights the importance of mental health and self-care, particularly in a space where the pressure to perform can be overwhelming.

Alun: The Historian's Dilemma

Alun, a senior lecturer with expertise in early modern medicine and a passion for the cultural history of beards, entered the social media experiment to educate others and share his knowledge. His initial videos received a modest response, but as he began posting regularly, he experienced a mix of excitement and frustration regarding viewer engagement.

Despite some videos achieving over 10,000 views, Alun struggled with the emotional toll of fluctuating success. He admitted that the pursuit of views began to affect his self-worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy when his content did not perform as expected. This emotional rollercoaster became particularly challenging when he encountered cruel comments related to his alopecia, which heightened his self-consciousness.

In an effort to reclaim his narrative, Alun responded to the negativity by creating a video about his condition, which allowed him to connect with viewers on a more personal level. Additionally, the promotion of his videos by his university significantly boosted his reach, illustrating how social media can serve as a powerful tool to enhance professional visibility.

With a total of 350,000 views, Alun recognised that while social media would not replace his academic career, it provided a valuable platform for amplifying his work. He concluded that he would continue creating content, but with a renewed focus on maintaining his academic integrity and avoiding oversimplification.

Danyah: The Performer's Online Challenge

For Danyah, a theatre performer and producer, the shift from live audiences to online engagement presented a unique set of challenges. Motivated by a desire to foster connections in an increasingly digital world, she embraced YouTube to share her creative endeavours, including meditation guides and poetry. However, unlike her peers, Danyah’s content was longer and required more effort to produce.

Initially, she was enthusiastic about sharing her work, but soon found herself overwhelmed by the technical aspects of social media. Her commitment intensified as she posted 50 videos within a month, leading to feelings of exhaustion and the realisation that her focus on numbers was detracting from her enjoyment of the creative process.

Despite the slow growth of her views, Danyah’s positive attitude and determination kept her motivated. She noticed that her increased online presence began to translate into higher ticket sales for her shows and workshops, demonstrating the potential benefits of social media engagement. By the end of the three-month experiment, Danyah had learned to balance her passion for performance with the demands of maintaining an online presence.

Emotional Toll and the Pressure to Perform

Across the board, Emily, Alun, and Danyah experienced the emotional complexities of engaging with social media. The pressure to perform, maintain authenticity, and cope with negative feedback can be significant. It is essential for creators to find a balance between sharing their passions and protecting their mental health.

In a landscape where online validation can feel paramount, it’s vital to recognise that success is not solely measured by likes and views. Meaningful connections with followers and the impact on their lives can provide a deeper sense of accomplishment and purpose.

What Lies Ahead for These Creators?

As the three participants reflect on their experiences, their journeys underline the evolving nature of social media and its potential to enrich lives. Emily's path to healing through pottery, Alun's academic outreach, and Danyah's quest for connection all illustrate the diverse ways individuals can engage with and benefit from social platforms.

Looking ahead, it is clear that while social media can be a daunting minefield, it also offers opportunities for creativity, connection, and community building. As these creators continue to navigate their paths, they may inspire others to embrace their unique voices and share their stories, reminding us all that authenticity can shine through even in the most challenging environments.

FAQs

What is the creator economy?

The creator economy refers to the growing sector where individuals monetise their skills and talents through online platforms, with projections estimating it could be worth nearly $500 billion (£372 billion) by 2027.

How can social media impact mental health?

Social media can significantly affect mental health by creating pressures related to performance, validation, and engagement. Individuals may experience anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion as they navigate the online landscape.

What should I consider before starting a social media account?

Before starting a social media account, consider your goals, the potential impact on your mental health, and the authenticity of your content. It's important to balance engagement with self-care and understand the emotional implications of online presence.

How can I maintain authenticity on social media?

To maintain authenticity on social media, focus on sharing genuine experiences and content that resonates with your values. Engage with your audience sincerely and avoid the temptation to oversimplify or perform for views.

What are some strategies for coping with negative comments online?

To cope with negative comments, consider limiting your exposure to feedback, focusing on supportive interactions, and using criticism constructively. Responding positively or not at all can help preserve your mental well-being.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, how will you navigate your own social media journey? What stories will you choose to share, and what connections will you seek to create? #SocialMediaJourney #CreatorEconomy #MentalHealthAwareness