Influencing: The Gold Rush of Our Century
The Beginning
When you were little you were most likely constantly asked the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Answers varied from astronauts to teachers to doctors, the sky was the limit. If you asked the same question now, 57% of our generation would say they want to become an influencer. Something that was never even an option 10 years ago has now grabbed over half of Gen Z’s attention. What is the obsession with influencing- the money, the PR, the brand deals and all you have to do is film a few videos every day? It seems like the perfect job, you don’t even have to leave your house to do it. But is Gen Z chasing a false reality? Is it really that easy and that sustainable?
A Trend
Influencing started on YouTube, but the infatuation grew on TikTok. TikTok made it much more accessible for anyone to do; Film a 15-second video of you dancing or lip-syncing, post it, and watch it go viral. In 2019 influencing became so big that content houses were created to house influencers together to constantly push out content. Most of these content houses were founded in the same place Los Angeles, California, known for being the city of fame. For years celebrities moved here to pursue dreams of acting, singing, dancing, and more. Now influencers move here for more opportunities for brand deals, collaborations, and events.
The Gold Rush
History is always repeating itself. In 1848 gold nuggets were discovered in Sacramento Valley. The news spread fast, causing people to travel over land and sea to find gold and get rich. Now, almost 200 years later, influencers are finding fame and money moving to California. The way in which wealth comes about may be different, but the thirst for money still stays. As we watch society evolve we think about all the things that have changed. Technology, food, culture, the list goes on. But one thing that has always been a part of society is greed. When the gold runs out, there will always be a new chase for fame and money.
Influencing is just a trend that will cycle like the rest, but millions of people will fall for the false advertising that influencing is the ‘dream job’. Youth all around the country already have their sights set on this idea of working from home—making your own hours and your own content. But what they fail to realize is that if they are lucky enough to go viral it’s doubtful they’ll be ‘famous’ for more than a couple years. Social media has affected society to its core, and ultimately changed the way we view all aspects of life.
Sources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/14/more-than-half-of-gen-z-want-to-be-influencers-but-its-constant.html#:~:text=Work-,57%25
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https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/gold-rush-of-1849