Should Influencers prove they are experts in their fields before posting about it?

I am super embarrassed to ask this especially with being Gen Z girl but what the F is an influencer?! I don’t follow social media or anything. If it stops all these random people doing silly things which makes them qualify for celeb status and go on strictly or the jungle then I’d be for it. Saying that I never minded Tilly Ramsey who is apparently an influencer but what does she do? All I know is she’s Gordon’s daughter. 

It's basically anyone that makes videos and has a large following. They have the power to "influence" people's opinions. They often have a specific topic that they post about such as a disability, gaming, money or fashion. They get brand deals that they get paid for advertising and get paid for views etc of their videos. They aren't necessarily celeb status. Many started as ordinary people and are just well known to their group of followers. People like Tilly Ramsey get a leg up because her dad is well known.

Ahh ok that makes sense. Is that why some of these YouTubers mention brands in their videos? Like they are being sponsored? Also would these influencers be classed as manipulative if they are “influencing” opinions? Or am I being overreactive there? I’m only asking the latter because of the manipulation I got at work and school and in the family and I can’t see things the way I used to and it’s for the worst. 

I get that with Tilly Ramsey, I actually found her to be very nice when she was on strictly in lockdown tbh

Ahh ok that makes sense. Is that why some of these YouTubers mention brands in their videos? Like they are being sponsored? Also would these influencers be classed as manipulative if they are “influencing” opinions? Or am I being overreactive there? I’m only asking the latter because of the manipulation I got at work and school and in the family and I can’t see things the way I used to and it’s for the worst. 

I get that with Tilly Ramsey, I actually found her to be very nice when she was on strictly in lockdown tbh

I can understand that and I know there are genuine people out there and I don’t mind if the subject is a more valuable one, but I’m like you I can’t stand all these random ones who get followers just for doing silly things. I mean these days people seem more interested in someone having a drink of water as opposed to raise awareness for something more important like illnesses etc

Well I can understand the reasoning behind it all. I suppose people just have to be careful and not get completely suckered in. Yeah when I’ve been nosy at asmr I’ve noticed a few people sponsor a mattress or bed company so I guess they are classed as influencers. But I do worry about how some can abuse their power if that makes sense but again that could be over paranoia on my half 

Yep, that's exactly why some influencers mention specific brands in their videos. If they are considered popular enough, they will be sent products (free of charge), and be paid to do a review of those products.

Is it manipulation? Well, if someone watching is vulnerable and prone to believe everything said, then it could be considered as a form of manipulation.

There are different reasons why people become influencers. For some, it's a way of making money. For others, it can be that they have low self-esteem and desperately want to be liked, feel popular, etc.

Yes. They have to put on the video that is is an ad though so that people know it is paid.

I think many influencers are well meaning. I have watched quite a few who are raising awareness of various disabilities and I certainly wouldn't put these people in the category of manipulative. I think it can get muddied when it moves to topics such as politics. This is why the question gets posed, should people have qualifications, because misinformation form influencers can be huge. The ones I don't like are the ones that just do ridiculous stunts and always have some kind of drama going on. I don't see the benefit of these people at all or why people would want to follow them. But I do think a lot of these people are most likely to manipulate and will often set up Amazon wish lists and po boxes for people to send to. Now some people do this for charity or when there is a genuine need - that's fine. But just for your own gain because people enjoy watching you open it - I don't love that. They don't force people to send things granted but this where I think people can be manipulated even if there person didn't intend to manipulate them.

Sorry that was a bit waffley. In summary I'd say most have good intentions but there are always going to be some that are actually manipulative.