Self-Proclaimed Social Media Celebrities

New social media is one of the strongest tools in shaping the lives and attitudes of the youth today. The influence of this new social media namely Instagram, Snap chat, Twitter and Facebook is seen basically in all spheres of life: social, political, economic, private and public. The trends set through these social mediums are particularly effective and popular with the youth. This is because these are very much results of globalization and product of the new era of technology and Internet usage.

Now, as a young academic and student myself, I recognize and support the positive effects of social media. However, very recently I have noticed just the kind of negative and un-intended impact some of these social mediums can have on the youth especially in this part of world. This is not to say that other parts of the world are not affected negatively through social media. The reason I concentrate on this region namely (Middle East and Gulf) is because this is where I have personally examined and witnessed the realities of these effects and trends.

In the past year or so, the trend of self-proclaimed social media celebrities has boomed here in the Gulf. So, what we saw was many young women and even men promoting themselves as fashionistas, life-style bloggers and trendsetters, etc. This mainly includes dressing up in a certain way, going to social events, advertising for new products/restaurants etc. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself out in the media and showing people your lifestyle. But the problem comes when there is no substance to what it is that you are saying and promoting. These fashionistas and life-style bloggers observed a huge fan following from the young generation especially girls between the age of 13-19. For example, some of these celebrities have about 1millon followers on instagram. In social gatherings, these fashionistas would be latest topics of discussion. This is a crucial age; where many seek a role model, or aspire to be like those who are popular. In a society, where there is lack of role models to follow, these young girls are exposed to values such as vanity, fake-ness, self-obsession, plastic surgery, excessive spending and emphasis on physical beauty.

There is nothing said or done about intellectual discussions, pursuing one’s passion, being original, accepting oneself they way you are, tolerance, education, involvement in community welfare projects, innovation in academia or social sphere etc.

What I have noticed is that many celebrities or bloggers around the world have used social media for a positive message, or promoted positive and progressive values for their respective societies. They have recognized and respected the fact that as social and media figures they have a responsibility to watch and add substance to what they promote. I wish we would see more of these emerging positive social media figures in this part of the world.

I’m not going to generalize and say we don’t have social media figures who promote intellectual discussions, engage their audience in critical thinking and speak to the mind. Some of the positive examples in my opinion are; Khalid AlAmeri, Mthyayel Al Ali and Taim Al Falasi. These social media figures use their influence to encourage their fans to follow their ambitions, spread awareness on contemporary social issues and engage their audience in meaningful projects and activities.

Having said that, what I’m trying to draw attention here is to the fact that just how strong of an influence these life-style bloggers and self-proclaimed celebrities have on the youth. Mostly, this influence has not reaped much positive results or promoted the right kind of values as evident through personal experiences and observations.

It is also absolutely scary when I see some of the consequences of the trend of new and young fashionistas on young girls just within the span of just one year. More than anything, they have given out the message and advocated somehow for this general standards of beauty against which every girl starts to judge herself. What is also equally worrying is that many of these life-style bloggers are young mothers. So, what we see is a lot of advertisement and endorsements of many products and events through their young children. What kind of message does this give out to young or aspiring mothers? I will let my audience decide.

Many try very hard to make it seem like what they are doing is in fact not advertisement or publicity but rather personal preferences. However, experience and common connections would tell you this is far from the truth. So, what is worse now is that not only are they advertising with the wrong message but also being dishonest about it and promoting double standards.

These are just some of the effects for young girls but I know that similar is true for young boys. Many social media figures showcase activities like speeding, trying unhealthy eating habits or experimenting with unsafe gadgets for example. These acts are exhibited on platforms such as snapchat, which has no filter and is easily accessible to all age groups, even those as young as 10.

What is even more worrying is that parents have very little control or knowledge of how and what ways is this social media being used.

My point here is not to just criticize the life style or interests of this group of people. It is rather to point towards a trend that needs some sort of direction and re-thinking. I’m not saying these fashionistas should stop doing what they are doing but rather re-assess what it is that they are promoting and the influence they have on youth. How can this influence be used for the betterment of the society that they are part of?

Photo from:http://stylemagazine.com/news/2014/sep/09/meet-most-social-women-fashion/