The Irony of Modern Influence

I find it ironic that society promotes “influencers” and has even turned that into a career path, when true influence is usually quiet, earned through trust and character, and often comes from people who never set out to be influential at all. According to Google, an influencer is a person who leverages a social media following to capture attention and promote something, focusing on popularity and reach, often getting compensated for their efforts.

In contrast, actual influence is the ability to shift perspectives, build trust, and create lasting impact on others’ behavior and thoughts, rather than focusing on follower count. Real influence is based in substance. We are changed or affected by the authenticity, thoughts, ideas, example and passion one has for doing what they love to do.

Of course, western culture is all about the gain and the green. We’ve always got to exploit the meaningful and the substantial and turn it into another form of financial gain, which is what has happened with influence. It feels like the high school popularity hierarchy moved into the broader world stage and no one can escape the oppressive nature of it. There is an ever-present pressure to follow the crowd or be marginalized, rejected, or ostracized publicly through “social” channels if we don’t conform.  And I put social in quotes because true social connection isn’t lived through algorithms and screens.

I don’t know about you, but graduating from high school was liberating. I hated the stress of the herd mentality—of the reminder that you needed to look a certain way, have certain things, or fit in. Nowadays, you can’t escape that atmosphere because it’s in your pocket 24/7. And if you don’t buy the latest craze on Tik Tok you’re behind the times, my friend.

In reality, visibility does not equal meaningful influence. Popularity isn’t depth. It’s basically superficial posturing. Does that mean if you’re popular or visible you don’t have any depth or substance. Of course not. Some people really do have both. But the modern influence practice leaves something wanting. It makes me sad when I hear a young person say their aspiration is to become a social media influencer, or professional youtube gamer. They were put on this earth for so much more than that!

I asked ChatGPT for a few examples of the irony of modern influence versus true influence. Let’s take a look:

[AI info]

1. People with millions of followers often have less real-world influence than a local teacher, manager, organizer, or parent whose decisions directly shape lives.
2. “Influencers” are measured by attention, while actual influence is usually measured by trust.
3. Many influencers depend on algorithms they don’t control, meaning they’re less independent than the title suggests.
4. Someone can persuade strangers to buy a skincare product but fail to maintain meaningful relationships offline.
5. Historically, influence came after achievement. Now influence is often treated as the achievement itself.
6. Modern creators often preach authenticity while simultaneously optimizing every post for engagement metrics.
7. A person with 200 loyal supporters who act may have more practical influence than someone with 2 million passive viewers.
8. Ancient philosophers, scientists, activists, and artists frequently became influential reluctantly. Modern influencer culture often starts with the explicit goal of becoming influential.
9. Real influence tends to compound slowly through consistency. Internet influence can appear overnight and disappear just as fast.
10. Influencers are expected to constantly post to remain relevant; genuinely influential figures often become more influential through scarcity and restraint.
11. The economy rewards attention even when the attention produces no wisdom, skill, or public good.
12. Some of the most influential people in technology, finance, science, or policy are barely recognizable to the public.
13. “Personal brands” encourage individuality, yet many influencers end up converging into the same aesthetics, opinions, editing styles, and trends.
14. Modern platforms make influence look democratic, but algorithms heavily gatekeep who is actually seen.
15. Online influence is often mistaken for authority. Popularity can create the illusion of expertise.

[end of AI info]

If influencers depend on algorithms, then followings aren’t actually built on substance, but rather strategy and relevant content. Strategy isn’t character, neither is relevant content. If relevance is a determining factor in visibility, then authenticity can’t flourish because content is pre-determined by trend. Without authenticity, trust cannot flourish. Thus, influence isn’t anything more than manufactured attention mistaken for credibility.

Nowadays you don’t have to have a skill, wisdom, or produce anything good, you just need to look like you have the perfect life and promote what’s popular. “The perfect life” and popularity do not translate into authority and expertise. They are shallow facades that leave people hungry because they’re feasting on empty promises. Where there’s no substance, hunger will rage.  

Social media plays on our desire to be seen. It’s a basic human desire. Sadly, many social media users have come to translate “being seen” into a mark of worthiness. “Influence”, or visibility, is now the goal, the achievement itself. And how empty it is for he who arrives on its shores.

The irony is: the more someone chases influence as status, the less substance their influence often has. Meanwhile, people who focus on competence, service, ideas, or craftsmanship frequently become influential without centering their identity around it, or even seeking attention.

Next time you’re feeling dissatisfied with your life while scrolling social media you might want to ask: What is this person’s influence leading me to do? And do I even want it affecting me? You always have the choice to unfollow, exit or delete.  

Disclaimer: The content of this website is intended for personal reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for qualified professional medical, psychological, or spiritual advice. By engaging with the content in this podcast, through any source—in person or online—you are agreeing to the terms and conditions in our liability and release waivers. The links are posted in the show notes and on our website. All views expressed — including interpretations of scripture or spiritual practice — reflect the host’s personal experience and are not affiliated with any specific church or institution. Please take what resonates with your journey, and leave the rest with care.

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