We have many different influences in life, it could be faith/religion, close circle of friends or the media. Influence comes in many ways, shapes and forms and can be both positive and negative. There are many different things in life that have an influence on who you are and how you choose to behave and think. We also [sometimes without knowing it] have influence on others, our actions and words have influence on almost everyone we come into contact with. Originally I wanted to write this post about social media influencers, but thought lets go a step further and discuss influence as the big picture.
I’m really looking forward to reading your thoughts on this topic, as I’m sure there will be many different perspectives on this!
WHAT INFLUENCES ME?
It’s quite hard to pin point specific things that I know influence me, but to name a couple I would for sure have to say my parents and my family. Parents have one of the biggest influences on their kids, which makes sense because they are the ones raising them.
As I have gotten older though, I have become more self aware and have taken on alot of my own belief systems. Often times you find that children take on their parents belief systems and ways of wrong and right. Which can be a scary thing if the parents beliefs are negative ones.
Another thing I would say that influences me would be my faith. Alot of things I choose to do are based around what I believe. I wouldn’t say that I am fully influenced by it though, more that I’m aware but can still actively make my own decisions when it comes down to it.
DO YOU THINK WE ARE OFTEN OVER INFLUENCED?
I personally think that the whole world is full of things made to influence us. We are made to feel as though we need wrinkle cream when were getting older because wrinkles aren’t accepted by society. We’re made to feel as though we need to lose weight to be deemed beautiful. There are so many things that influence us into believing we aren’t good enough. When in fact we are.
We are also influenced by everything else around us, like the time of year. At Christmas we are influenced into needing to buy gifts for our families. And at easter we are influenced into eating and buying as much chocolate as we can. Alot of this comes from the media, and their ability to warp and change the way our brains work.
It’s quite scary if you think about it.
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
Where do I even begin? If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen me talking about the word ‘influencer’ on my story. I really don’t know how I feel about being labelled an influencer. I don’t ever want to be given that title. To me, influencer [when referring to a social media influencer] has negative connotations to it. To me they are people who promote products they’ve never used, who are just out to try and make a money. And are just generally fake people.
I’m not sure why I have this perception, as I know alot of social media influencers are genuine and lovely people. But the word itself when its associated with social media doesn’t sit right with me.
Who do you think influences you?
Do you think your up bringing has had an influence on you?
Do you think social media influencers are positive or negative?
Olivia x
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I have struggled with social media in the past, and finally made the conscious decision to walk away from it. I have felt better and been able to concentrate more on my blog, which is my first love anyway.
Social media can be really toxic and negative if you aren’t too careful who you follow or allow into your feed. A wise decision!
It also demands attention 24x7x365, and who has time for that other than not farms 😎
It really does! Its like a full time job!
I’ve been influenced a lot less by social media since I’ve started to blog. I’m never on my own social media accounts anymore because of it, mostly my blog accounts 😅
Thats the same as me too!😂 my own personal accounts have been neglected!
I’m the same!
Yeah, i find being called a influencer odd. I call myself a content creator. I do what i do. Share my knowledge. And inspire. I influence myself. I drive myself. Social media can be tricky if you don’t properly understand it, being sucked in. You just have to make sure you follow those who inspire you. And not those who make you feel negatively about yourself.
I love that term content creator! Its such a broad term but I feel like there are less negative connotations to it!
I agree with you completely. We are largely influenced by external factors without us noticing. Our childhood upbringing contributing to most of it. This is our parents or guardians. It contributes to almost 80% of our belief systems which influence our lives as we grow and the directions our lives take. Religion, society, culture and media contribute the remainder.
I believe it’s crucial to always self assess and find out what beliefs you have, possibly when you got them and if they are working for you. Replacing limiting beliefs with empowering ones is a plus.
I struggle with social media to. Really trying to get back after several years break mostly to promote my blog, book and a new YouTube channel. I was however shocked at how controlled some of these platforms are. With bias algorithms in what they promote.
Such a good topic to discuss and well put
You’re so right, especially about the self assessing. It’s so important to re-think what you believe and make sure it still aligns with who you are!
Great post!!
Thank you!
Thank you Olivia for sharing this. I’m an avid reader of your post. True, social media has a negative influence on everyone but as well has a positive one. Growing up ass child, I was never allowed to go out and that has caused a huge set back in my life because I turned out to be an introvert and I get too shy being in crowd. My upbringing really has an influence me.
I also wrote a similar post but mine is about people living a fake life. I made reference of social media in the post as well. Please follow my blog as well. Thanks
So glad you liked this post, looking forward to checking your blog out!
I’m so lucky my parents are amazing people and influenced me in all the right ways! You’re so right about being over-influenced in your culture and society
Yes me too! I feel so blessed they have taught me well in life!
😊
When I sense sincerity then I can be influenced but sadly these days it is getting hard to recognise.
You’re so right!
I dont think social media or instagram specifically is all that negative. Influencers give you an image and you make a choice
For me, i unfollowed everyone then followed those that positivelt influence my life. I have started seeing major changes since
I did this a while ago too, and noticed the benefits of doing so!
My mum and dad. Dad because of his sarcasum and what he has taught me and my mum the same
I love this 😅
And they are both medical people. The things my dad taugh me when i was little. 1. What sound does a spider make phh when you sqaush it.
2. what noise does a fish make sizzle sizzle sizzle sorry if this offends people
Love this post, Olivia! At some point we must identify what/who influences us the most if we want to make a change with our decisions. You cited some great examples! Thanks for this!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
Yes! I agree! Thanks for sharing this Monique!
To answer your questions: my parents, friends, partner, books and other form of media have played a role in influencing my life. It is tough to escape the influences of those around you.
Yes, these things have influenced my upbringing to some extent. However with time, self-awareness and knowledge I can choose and reduce what influences me.
I don’t think social media influencers are negative or positive. I think they are simply using tactics to go after what they want and share their view with the world. It is up to is to decide who we want in our circle and surround yourself with persons that share a similar value system to you. You can decide who to follow and unfollow, to take something to heart or not. However, I do understand the negative connotation that you mentioned with the word Influencers and I guess it up to us to redefine that stigma.
Aren’t we all influencers in a sense? We are all trying to persuade each other in one form or another. This is an interesting topic that warrants a discussion forum or something. Lol.
Is it wrong for someone to influence some to purchase a product they don’t like just to make money? It is deceptive and yet you have to wonder why they chose that route.
Wow this is a long comment but everyone is influencing someone so why not be a positive voice in the crowd.
Hope all that made sense. 🤣 Great post and topic.
Lately I’ve realised my greatest influence is in the things I consume such as social media, blogposts or even music or podcasts. Now I alter those things so that the influence is positive for my mind.
I agree! It really does revolve around media and the things we consume most of the time!
My parents/family and my religion/faith have influenced me in positive ways, but I have also seen their negative aspects, and have been influenced to act in the opposite way.
Influencers as in role model or as in icon.
Very nice post thank you!