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Influencer Does Not Equal Expert

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Teens-and-Screens-July-24

An influencer does not equal an expert.  Remember the good old days when you had a question or concern; you would turn to someone who was an expert in the field.  Someone with a degree or at least years of applied world expertise.  I was listening to Brene Brown’s podcast this morning, and something she said really stood out.  If I am being honest, everything Brene says stands out to me, but this comment made an impact, most likely because I have been having the same feelings.  She has created a beautiful podcast series around social media and AI, asking the question, “Are we really ready for this stuff?” 

Brene took a year off of social media, and one of the catalysts for her break is that she has been navigating her mother’s diagnosis of dementia. She mentions she was inundated with “experts” on social media telling her various “fixes” and “cures” for her mom’s dementia. One of those cures involved eating more quinoa and blueberries.  And when you have a loved one suffering or you are looking for answers, having access to thousands of “experts” at your fingertips feels like movement. It feels empowering. It feels like hope.  Until it doesn’t.  It begins to breed confusion, exhaustion, and overwhelm.  Not to mention the frustration that begins to feel a bit like, “Who lets these people snake charm their way into people’s lives?”

Anyone can become an “influencer”. Social media platforms have provided a space for individuals to showcase their talents, hobbies, and personal experiences.   I do not ever want to discount personal experience or self-driven research.  There are so many individuals who are experts in what they do and do not have a degree in the subject matter.  But what happens is the sheer overwhelm of fly-by-night influencers with a few months of “expertise” and just enough charisma, relatability, and aesthetically pleasing content to gain popularity.  In other words, it looks pretty on the outside, but probably not much experience underneath. This can be dangerous.  We must take a look at authenticity versus credibility.  Influencers are known for their authenticity and relatability.  It is a key factor in their success. 

However, authenticity does not always translate to credibility.  While influencers may have personal anecdotes and experiences to share, their opinions may not be based on thorough research, scientific evidence, or professional experience. 

As someone who has a social work degree and now works as a family and teen coach, it is frightening to me the number of online “coaches” who do not have a degree and do not have years of experience or certifications in marketing their counseling skills to families.  I do not have a “degree” in the specialty of social media conversations and safety that I bring to the table within my sessions.  However, I do have over a decade of experience working with families around these issues in private settings.  And I did not include this specialty until I had years of work behind me. 

This brings me to the importance of critical thinking.  It is essential for consumers of social media to exercise critical thinking when evaluating information shared by influencers.  Instead of blindly accepting their recommendations, it is crucial to verify facts, seek other expert opinions, and consider multiple perspectives before taking an influencer’s advice.  We know that experts are individuals who dedicate their time, education, and experience to a particular field. They possess in-depth knowledge, skills, and qualifications that allow them to provide accurate and reliable information. 

One of the best things we can do as a consumer is to recognize the vast difference between influencers and experts. We can make informed decisions based on reliable sources of information rather than being swayed solely by the popularity or charisma of influencers.  Another beautiful thing we can do as consumers AND parents is to discuss with our teens these concepts. They are a huge consumers of social media, and tend to believe most anything that influencers are selling them. Teaching our kids to rely on experts for their information will serve them now and as they grow into adults. In other words, be careful of the snake oil swillers of today’s generation. They are the same as they were hundreds of years ago…just dressed in prettier clothes and no longer have to knock on your door to get into your home.


Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

Kristi Bush
Author: Kristi Bush

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate. She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience. She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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