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With more and more Social Influencers flouting Lockdown rules with parties and trips to Dubai, we reflect on the role models who the team at Loop turn to for guidance and inspiration during these difficult times.
It has been frustrating watching all of these influencers fly out to different countries just to “promote” a product but if I am honest I do understand both sides of the story. Being a social media influencer means you're at home 24/7 and are always seeking the opportunity to get a holiday in. However, it has been revealed that the Dubai trip, that has been the main focus of rule breaking, didn't have any relevance to the product being promoted when the influencers were out there. It is difficult and everyone wants to go on holiday but these influencers already have way more than the average person so what good would a holiday do them than just to show it off. It has been irritating but I think a small part of all of us understands they just want this all to be over and feel a sense of normality for once. Despite the selfishness, these influencers have said their sorrys and now we just need to let them realise the way this could impact their career.
When I need to look to someone for guidance I always look to Sienna Mae Gomez. She is just 17 and uses her platform to promote body confidence. Personally a body confidence ambassador is exactly what everyone needs right now as lockdown has had an impact on everyone's mental health and body confidence. Sienna’s bubbly, jumpy personality just makes you smile and her confidence just rubs off on you. But, I think for everyone, one special man deserves a place in all our hearts. Captain Sir Tom Moore. Sadly this incredible man passed away and I think it is easy to say he had a massive impact on everyone and all made us hopeful for the future. On the behalf of all, I hope they saved a beautiful place for him in heaven and that he is watching down on all of us. RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore. - Emily
Philosophy Tube is a left leaning political / educational channel that I’ve been following for a while. The presenter and sole operator of the channel is called Abigail Thorn. The way she structures and writes out her videos are indicative of period pieces and tv dramas, with her being an actor in other parts of her life that part makes sense. I’d highly recommend you go and watch some of her videos, however long they may be, it’s definitely worth the watch for a new perspective on things, or some entertaining drama about subjects like abortion and Jordon Peterson.
On the 31st of January, Abigail - previously known as Olly - came out as trans in a half hour long video where most of it wasn’t even her on screen. She got a male actor to play the role she has for the past year: the man who was never there. The video is honestly one of the best explanations of what it feels like to be trans, the perils of coming out as trans, and also dwells on the idea that Abbi is now the most popular British trans youtuber, which is something of a daunting prospect.
So best of luck to Abigail Thorn, the trans queen of TERF island! May her reign be long and bountiful for the rest of one of Britain’s most discriminated against minorities.
Seeing social influencers and celebrities ignore the rules every time they have a birthday or fancy a quick holiday can make it easy to hate celebrities as a whole. But I think it is important to look to those using their platform, influence and wealth for good throughout this pandemic. A personal favourite of mine would have to be Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who pledged $1million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. Not only have they lit up our screens with some truly classic movies, they have helped make the world a little brighter in such a dark time. Along the lines of social influencers I would have to credit the most inspirational to be Jimmy Donaldson, known better as the name of his youtube channel- “Mr Beast”. His videos both before and throughout the pandemic are full of charitable work, from buying entire stores worth of clothes and donating them to the Salvation Army to driving around and handing out cash in times when cash is so tight for so many. During the most difficult times, his work and amazing videos are guaranteed to give you hope for the world, because knowing there are people like that out there means there is a chance for change. - Isabelle
Surprisingly, there’s been a lot of influencers going against the rules during lockdown, like holding big parties and not wearing a mask. In fact, the Kardashians have already held two birthday parties during the pandemic. The first report was Kim Kardashian’s party, where she announced it in social media, flaunting her wealth on twitter for everyone to see. Obviously, people on the internet were outraged, critiquing their inability to follow simple guidelines that could actually save lives. Furthermore, the next birthday party held was Kendall Jenner’s, inviting large crowds of celebrities like Jayden Smith and The Weekend and a whole lot more. The only difference is that this birthday party was meant to be kept under wraps from the media, leaving out table cards saying that there’s a no social media rule. However, word got out and yet again, the internet was outraged at this childish inability to even wear a mask and protect people at risk.
Social influencers have a wide audience across all platforms of social media, some of which are younger viewers who could aspire to be them. But these influencers have decided to go abroad during lockdown and flout the rules to “promote” products, have a birthday, or just fancy a holiday and it is infuriating! In times like these it's best to find social influencers that share positivity through the media and help others in these current circumstances. Celebs such as Rihanna, James McAvoy and Shawn Mendes have been donating money to buy protective equipment, and fund research. Others, such as Halsey, donated medically approved equipment like facemasks to different hospitals. - Grace
I find the fact that these so called ‘influencers’ are going to Dubai and various other countries using the loophole that it is for work disgusting. It shows the flaws in our society that these people are seen as role models. The term influencer implies they have influence over others which is very scary considering there are rules we have to follow to make it through this and these influencers are publicly flaunting them. I don't understand how they can justify what they are doing, as someone who has been shielding and hasn’t left their house since lockdown, not even for the shops, I can't understand how they could think other people will find hope, happiness or inspiration from them. I think they really showed their ignorance and they don't deserve the platform they have been given. - Tegan
Lockdown has been tough for all. I believe that in a time like this, everyone who has stuck to the COVID-19 rules and made a positive impact to society, is an influencer today. Everyone who works day in and day out to make a contribution to society and the hardship that it is facing is an influencer in my eyes. Primarily leading figures such as the doctor’s and nurses that have been risking their lives for the wider society, are incredible and deserve timeless credit, along with Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised $30 million for the NHS, who is an inspiration to the whole nation. We thank all of these amazing influencers as well as those who contribute to society’s health. In my eyes Everyone who has participated in positively contributing to society is an influencer, no matter how big or small their contribution is. Keep working hard, keep going, work to make society thrive. - Bella
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