How much influence is too much?

 The internet has become one of the major influences on people in our society. With this comes the creation of positions such as influencers and content creators. These people are paid to promote fads, fashion, and habits. Many influencers will discuss their "work out routines" and some will advertise appetite suppressors. This has obvious effects on those who intake the media, and I think these types of posts are what is largely responsible for the current 'fitness' trend. Around campus at UK, you'll see flyers about events relating to "getting your body back, girl!" or overhear a conversation in which an individual is freaking out because they've exceeded their 1,000 calorie diet. While I think fitness is important, and I'm glad people are focusing on their health, it's becoming apparent it's no longer about that. It's about having the best body, and following what everyone else is doing. Influencers and those that follow them have normalized extreme dieting and fitness regimes to a dangerous extent. I have a 12 year old sister. She's already very small and petite, especially for her height. She wakes up early in the morning everyday to complete a two-hour workout in order to make sure she stays under 100 lbs. Her reasoning why? because all the influencers she looks up to advertise "Chloe Ting workouts".  I think this current trend shows the affect of the internet on people, and I think it's important to recognize that- especially in regards to COVID. Whatever they promote, whatever they post, that's what is normal and 'okay'. If they're not distancing and they're not wearing proper PPE, that's what is going to be processed by many. This is a video of an interview and discussion about the dangers of influencer based body expectations happening in Ireland.