An Influencer’s World: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Social Media Influencers and Creators

Former psychotherapist Caroline and her husband Don Baker, publisher of Puget Sound Business Journal, debut with a workmanlike survey of the world of social media influencers. Drawing on interviews with dozens of people with large social media followings, the authors explore the prosaic and practical concerns of this set. The Bakers discuss the history of influencers, suggesting that early “creators” in the aughts coalesced around the “democratizing” power of social media and forced traditional media and entertainment outlets to take note, as when Issa Rae landed an HBO show based on her YouTube series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. The authors detail the ins and outs of online stardom, including the money (brands pay top influencers hundreds of thousands of dollars for partnerships), dealing with bullies (reality TV star Chloe Long describes struggling with mental health as a result of online harassment), and wrestling with self-image (“curve model” Instagrammer Kristina Zias shares how she felt unable to measure up to the posts of others). However, these superficial insights are unlikely to surprise readers, and while some may appreciate hearing influencers reflect on their vocation, the lack of commentary tying their remarks to a broader narrative makes for an unfocused outing. This only scratches the surface. (June)