Why Influencers Captivate Us
A Fangirl’s Report on Spending Hours on YouTube
By now, you probably already know some of the benefits of becoming an influencer, such as publicity, promotions, and extra spending money. But why are we (ordinary people) so willing to sit in front of a computer screen for hours upon end dedicating part of our lives to watch other seemingly ordinary individuals?
1. We want to feel like part of the family:
How do I say “you will form connections that will last a lifetime” without sounding super cliché? But seriously, when you follow these influencers, it instantly creates a family atmosphere since you automatically have something in common with other fans. Get ready to share many hours of laughter over your favorite creator’s content.
2. We desire to feel connected. Any time, any place:
Not only can you go to meetups in your area to bond over your love for your favorite influencers, you can also connect just as easily to other fans across the globe. Time and distance are transcended when it comes to YouTube, which makes it so easy to unite with individuals through chat rooms or in the comments section.
3. We want to learn from the comfort of our own home:
Yes, you heard that right. What’s better than getting recommendations and tips from a reliable source… without having to leave your house? Why pay for a gym membership when you can watch blogilates videos in the comfort of your own home? Just last week I mastered the warrior pose right in my living room. (Psst: Wisio’s creators are great sources for expanding your fitness repertoire).
4. We just wanna chill and take it easy:
After a long day at work, who wouldn’t want to lay back on the couch and watch vlogs and tutorials from their favorite influencers? Listening to other people’s thoughts and ideas is a great way to destress.
5. We live for the drama:
It’s always entertaining to gain insight into other people’s lives, and influencers are no exception. I like to think of YouTube videos as shortened reality TV shows — sometimes they make you laugh, sometimes they make you cry, but you are guaranteed to keep wanting more.
Through following my favorite influencers, I really gained a sense of a community and learned new tips and tricks. I became open to different perspectives and built strong relationships with people that I never would have met otherwise. Some of my closest friends today are people that I met through fangirling over Shane Dawson or learning beauty tips together from Jaclyn Hill.
So yes, while it’s important to praise these creators for all of their hard work and dedication, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back because without our constant stream of support, influencers would simply not exist.
Written by: Lauren Drogy
Edited by: Linda Ivri
