I am not above enjoying some internet commentary. I like to see someone who’s manipulating their audience be called out for their deception, but has it gone too far? It feels like everyone’s an influencer in 2026. Anyone can access affiliate marketing, every brand has some kind of ‘refer a friend’ scheme and there’s no way you don’t know someone in an MLM.

So when I see whole channels dedicated to denouncing the ‘influencer industry’ my one and only question is, WHO ARE THEY? Because someone with an audience who is creating content about influencers, is themselves also an influencer.. are they not? If you share an opinion online and have a substantial number of eyes on you, aren’t you influencing their opinions?

I’m pre-determined to be irritated, having just accepted that what was once a blogger is now an influencer, only to be told I’m the worst kind of person. I’ve waxed on about my disdain for TikTok and how that platform became a marketplace overnight and changed the culture of social media.. so I am not surprised by the harsh take, more trying to determine whether there’s any way to escape from the building before it collapses with me inside.

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