It's a bleak torrid consumerism that hedges it's bets on things that haven't occurred yet. It all feels like a disgusting kind of LARP where the people who use TikTok shop think that a power bank will help them through a civil war will ironically be the least effected by such a thing. It's a disconnect from the material knowledge of these situations and the material's needed to "survive" them. Whatever happens at least it'll be interesting in hindsight. Wonderful writing.
Absolutely. As I thought more and more about the power banks, I struggled to see how it would actually work when all systems are down. Even the gas mask seemed faulty. But I guess these influencers aren’t not selling products but moreso peace of mind, regardless of product efficacy.
I was genuinely thinking about this a few nights ago!! What will an influencer's role be in the face of war and societal collapse? I can already see the hauls people will make online about the kind of gas masks, power banks, first aid, they managed to buy on TikTok shop. It's comical and saddening.
this is the dead end cul de sac of Big Tech (and its associated cult of personality and influencers), continuing to fearmonger because a terrified consumer is a profitable consumer. analysis is on point and i just subscribed!!!!! thank you for sharing these insights
Yes. I also do think there is “clout” to be gained for influencers when they appear politically active, even if it’s selling you a product. I expect over the next year, we will see more and more expressing their opinions as it likely drives engagement. Gone are the days where influencers will be “brand safe” and devoid of any political opinion!
It's a bleak torrid consumerism that hedges it's bets on things that haven't occurred yet. It all feels like a disgusting kind of LARP where the people who use TikTok shop think that a power bank will help them through a civil war will ironically be the least effected by such a thing. It's a disconnect from the material knowledge of these situations and the material's needed to "survive" them. Whatever happens at least it'll be interesting in hindsight. Wonderful writing.
Absolutely. As I thought more and more about the power banks, I struggled to see how it would actually work when all systems are down. Even the gas mask seemed faulty. But I guess these influencers aren’t not selling products but moreso peace of mind, regardless of product efficacy.
I was genuinely thinking about this a few nights ago!! What will an influencer's role be in the face of war and societal collapse? I can already see the hauls people will make online about the kind of gas masks, power banks, first aid, they managed to buy on TikTok shop. It's comical and saddening.
i can see the SNL skits now…..
this is the dead end cul de sac of Big Tech (and its associated cult of personality and influencers), continuing to fearmonger because a terrified consumer is a profitable consumer. analysis is on point and i just subscribed!!!!! thank you for sharing these insights
Yes. I also do think there is “clout” to be gained for influencers when they appear politically active, even if it’s selling you a product. I expect over the next year, we will see more and more expressing their opinions as it likely drives engagement. Gone are the days where influencers will be “brand safe” and devoid of any political opinion!