Instasham - when will it end

[Horatio]

I used to be a single mum
Sometimes (a lot of the time) it was the choice of eat or heat
To see these people who have more in the bank than what my house it worth gifted everything they want is unreal
My wages would be loose change to them but I get up and bust my balls to earn my living-they are given it for free
My kids have thanked me already for not selling their childhoods away and they all work/know the value of a £20 note

I think this is such an important point. The rise of the influencer is changing people’s concept of hard work and the value of money. In the past pop stars or actors might have made a lot at a young age but you can’t deny it requires hard work to do a world tour or shoot a film. These kids are getting four, five, six figure cheques for taking some pictures of a product on their phone, sticking some brand authorised copy in the caption and pressing upload. Probably a few emails got them to that point. And the photo may require ‘editing’ - a filter, or something on an app, not what real photographers do. And these kids actually think it’s hard work and earning 10k for that is a fair exchange. The brands see it in their favour because it’s still cheaper and simpler than spending 50k on a proper tv advert.

The journalist dolly alderton was discussing it on her podcast a few months ago. She had a valuable perspective because she’s actually done some branded work as she’s quite famous with a big online following. But it’s not her job, she is a proper columnist and writer. Anyway she said though doing a branded instagram post may require more work than some people realise, it just isn’t comparable to a real days work - particularly when considering the reward/effort ratio.

 

[Starshining]

I can't wait for this over-saturated influencer game to end. Brands are ruining their reputations. They don't know who they are working with - they get agencies to do it for them. Giving away stuff for free is completely devaluing brands. I don't think I will ever buy from Joules or The White company again. #ads are saturating Instagram It's supposed be a fun lighthearted app. Kids are being used "stand over there for Mummy in your matching shirts.....and....smile, quick quick Mummy needs a photo to earn a quick buck"

What the f**k are we inspiring our kids to be. No wonder there is a lack of doctors, midwives.

I hate that my girls are growing up in this world.

What's next? I can't begin to imagine. I think it's sad, Don't u? I'm scared for their future.

Every single word you have said! I have stopped buying from Boden, The White Company, Joules, Crew Clothing and Jo Malone.

My list is increasing everyday. I am not going to go to work every day to fund these floggers their gifted items

I'd love to see an instagram page that names and shames every brand that gifts these gobshites, what they are gifted and how much it would cost an ordinary person.
That might open a few eyes.

I would LOVE every advert that the floggers post to declare bore much they have received. That should open a can of worms! All the “instachums” will start turning on each other

I completely, 100% agree with you!!!

I wish there was a documentary on this. It's such an odd and disgusting part of human behaviour all this social media influencer stuff. All posed and contrived and rubbing it in the faces of hard-working people who have REAL jobs!

Louis Theroux would be perfect for this

 

[Calabria]

Sorry, what's SOD?

Some people have been referring to MOD and FOD as SOD - Sellers of Daughters

 

[Rosiepie]

I’m really sorry but I just need to rant!! I am so bloody fed up of all the fake and contrived instagrammers out there. Why the crap would I want to see pretentious, posed shots of people eating out for free and being gifted no end of stuff when they can bloody well afford it themselves. Lauding it up over people who can’t afford to live the lifestyle that these people get for free by lying and posing their way through life?

I have a friend who has become an instagrammer. Having close to 10k followers now and I’m so sick of the fact that I can see them posting about ten times in a day when I wait about a week for a reply to a personal text. Our friendship is now non existent and I wonder if they realise they are losing real friendships to ‘the gram’.

I’m also annoyed at the fact that people can delete negative comments which are made. Just seems to fuel self important, narcissistic people feeling entitled to love themselves that little bit more. I am absolutely fed up and think this is having such a deterimental impact on people. It’s all so fake and superficial. Drives me mad! Sorry - I said it would be a rant!! Haha!!

Omg I love this - agree with everything you said! I really wish they could not delete comments (that would be very interesting). As it stands these narcissists only receive positive comments from their fellow narcissists and sucker uppers! They have to read Tattle to hear the truth, which they don’t like and regularly call people on here Trolls or pond scum! I would love it if there was a feature which meant everytime they tagged an #ad or a swipe up, you know instantly how much they are profiting from it. If this was made transparent, I think the sheep would think twice about helping them to make their money.

 

[Dontmissmuch]

I’m currently on holiday with my husband & everywhere you turn there is someone doing a photo shoot with there mobile phone, don’t get me wrong I take & post the occasional selfie but if I asked my hubby to take photos the way some of the girls here are getting there partners to he would laugh me back on the next plane home. People seem to live life though the screen on there mobile phone rather than through there own eyes

We were in Mykonos recently and there were so many people doing this posing with the famous Little Venice behind them... we sat watching young girls getting into some peculiar positions to get a pic take.... all for Insta I’m sure

 

[Rosiepie]

It’s not just celebs ‘selling’, it’s those with interiors/ fashion accounts that have the endless ads and swipe ups too. Using their kids to help sell products. I don’t like how IG has changed. Accounts I used to follow have now changed into ‘business accounts’, trying to make money from selling anything and begging for freebies!

 

[PineappleQueen19]

Jane (BritBeautyBlogger) published an interesting piece on where influencing is headed:

It’s definitely going to be a pivotal year for ‘influencing’ – everyone is over it and brands can see that it’s not the money raker it used to be. The thing is that many brands now employ a system to decide who they work with that just works on numbers – whether that person allies with the brand is neither here nor there. With this lack of personal touch, influencing is purely transactional and it shows. So, of course, the very people that brands want to reach are tuning out which in turn affects sales. Since all beauty brands are (obviously) about the money, it’s not really working for them. But, there’s no Plan B. I hear along the grapevine that some bigger brands are somewhat regretting their decision to be transactional but it takes a long time to put the brakes on when you’re a global company.

Speaking of Plan B, plenty of influencers don’t have one either. While one of the greatest things about social media is that it’s available to everyone and a great leveller – if you’re making a living on it then I have every respect because it’s not as easy as it might seem. But, a Plan B is probably the most valuable thing you can invest in right now. In the interim, those who have the most attention from brands will get more of it because they’re still translating to the best sales. Remember when brands were actively looking for new talent? Not so much now – there literally isn’t time, in the face of so much pressure, to seek them out and take a chance. Eventually, even the stars will dim. And I don’t know what happens then!

https://britishbeautyblogger.com/fashion/fitflop-wonderwelly-and-a-view-on-2020-social-media/

 

[Inzzzzta]

Omg I love this - agree with everything you said! I really wish they could not delete comments (that would be very interesting). As it stands these narcissists only receive positive comments from their fellow narcissists and sucker uppers! They have to read Tattle to hear the truth, which they don’t like and regularly call people on here Trolls or pond scum! I would love it if there was a feature which meant everytime they tagged an #ad or a swipe up, you know instantly how much they are profiting from it. If this was made transparent, I think the sheep would think twice about helping them to make their money.

And then they have the cheek to criticise Instagram for changing its algorithm so there posts don’t get seem as much

 

[midnightrose]

I used to really like insta a few years ago, now I hardly post anymore and swipe through the ones that Ad/gift etc. I’ve had a couple of items gifted in the past but felt very uncomfortable showing it on insta so decided I wouldn’t do it anymore. There are some so call ‘influencers’ that do nothing else all day but post their daily gifts..AKA Lovestyle40 whos probably very nice in person but the constant damn Ads and Gifts is a joke! How many pairs of frumpy boots does a person need?, I wouldn’t wear one item of clothing she wears (all mumma frump) but still these non stop Ads for damn JD Williams catalogue shite etc. They’re all at it though so damn desperate for freebies they leave cheesy “OMG I love it“ comments on all the big brands posts!

Also, I don’t think they consider or care for their followers who may be vulnerable. It’s extremely manipulative and exploitative in my opinion. Why don’t they get out and get a real job?

 

[OhDearFords]

I am with you all, this ridiculous platform is just sponsored showing off by lots of people and makes me think less of the brands using these 'influencers' to flog their stuff. And the fact that these twats then get affiliate payments absolutely boils my blood. Does anyone know if you can mute hashtags on insta, and whether this would work for #ad and #gifted?

 

[Inzzzzta]

It’s an ASA requirement. It means they were given the item with no obligation or payment for mentioning it. Like you say it amounts to “I haven’t paid for this but you definitely should because it might end up as a paid campaign for me”

Thanks for clearing that up, might pop down the shop and post a pic of me eating a snickers #NotGifted

So I unfollowed my friend (the I want to be insta famous instamum) I got so fed up of her playing up to the camera, a shadow of the girl I knew. And I still couldn’t avoid the gifted nonsense, I met up with her for a Christmas drink and she was boasting about how she was gifted a personalised bag that should cost £60 for her man and she wrapped it up and gave him it for Christmas. FML it’s unavoidable

Following on from this, I got a text message from her basically asking why I unfollowed her as every follower counts to her while building up her brand

 

[SisterBliss]

I can't wait for this over-saturated influencer game to end. Brands are ruining their reputations. They don't know who they are working with - they get agencies to do it for them. Giving away stuff for free is completely devaluing brands. I don't think I will ever buy from Joules or The White company again. #ads are saturating Instagram It's supposed be a fun lighthearted app. Kids are being used "stand over there for Mummy in your matching shirts.....and....smile, quick quick Mummy needs a photo to earn a quick buck"

What the f**k are we inspiring our kids to be. No wonder there is a lack of doctors, midwives.

I hate that my girls are growing up in this world.

What's next? I can't begin to imagine. I think it's sad, Don't u? I'm scared for their future.

I think as with everything it will stop being cool and kids will turn their backs on it. Kids always rebel against mainstream culture, so the most productive thing we can do is offer them a choice, show things like minimalism, intellectual pursuits, sustainable living, love of nature, real relationships, modesty, moderation, perfecting a skill, less is more, as long as it’s packaged in an appealing aesthetic, and people their age and cool adults are doing it, it has a chance to counteract this consumerist nightmare.

 

[Inzzzzta]

Clothing ones are my bug bear right now

insert picture tagging clothes company and use “idontgiveaflyingfuck10” for a discount. So they get paid the 10% discount what is the point of it

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

I don't actually mind the gifted stuff and the ads, although I've never bought anything that an influencer "recommended". The thing that just gets me is that they are not discerning about the products or brands. Today they would shill for Pepsi and tomorrow Coke would be the best. At least try to be some what authentic when doing ads and "accepting" gifts.

I wonder how difficult it would be to setup an insta outing the items that have been sent to the worst offenders?

Most of the accounts I follow are either "The Real Housewives" any city and a couple of influencers who are well off and hardly ever do gifting or ads. In fact I think the only things they do is collabs with like outnet and net-a-porter

 

[my_escape_from_the_ads]

I would actual pay a monthly premium to Instagram to block anything with #ad or #gifted in it

This is bloody brilliantly idea !!!

 

[Meh]

I’m currently on holiday with my husband & everywhere you turn there is someone doing a photo shoot with there mobile phone, don’t get me wrong I take & post the occasional selfie but if I asked my hubby to take photos the way some of the girls here are getting there partners to he would laugh me back on the next plane home. People seem to live life though the screen on there mobile phone rather than through there own eyes

This!!!!
I’m away at the moment and had this very discussion with my partner. We watched a couple do a full on photo shoot, and I mean photo shoot, in a very busy part of Seville today. I said “aren’t you glad you’re not having to assume his position to get the angle for the ‘gram” and my bf’s response was illuminating shall we say. Not one that can be repeated here. Let’s say, he definitely isn’t a social media/‘gram guy.

Some of the poses are cringe inducing. And it has to end! When did folk stop smiling with their bloody teeth and looking happy, not caring about their make up or whatnot. Argh.

 

[PineappleQueen19]

Can any one tell me the reason they put #Gifted in posts? Is it an ego thing “oh look I got this for free look at me”, do the companies enforce it? What does it benefit them?
I can understand saying it’s an ad so someone can flick past it but the gifted one stumps me. If anything it makes me not want to but that product at all. Why pay full rack for a product they’ll happily give away

It’s an ASA requirement. It means they were given the item with no obligation or payment for mentioning it. Like you say it amounts to “I haven’t paid for this but you definitely should because it might end up as a paid campaign for me”

 

[Inzzzzta]

So I unfollowed my friend (the I want to be insta famous instamum) I got so fed up of her playing up to the camera, a shadow of the girl I knew. And I still couldn’t avoid the gifted nonsense, I met up with her for a Christmas drink and she was boasting about how she was gifted a personalised bag that should cost £60 for her man and she wrapped it up and gave him it for Christmas. FML it’s unavoidable

 

[Rosiepie]

Please can you all have a quick read of my blog with regards to this insta shite lol and tell me what you think? I know you lot will be honest

Picture perfect insta lives, grey and white decor and the crouching tiger, hidden dragon poses.

Why were all getting sick of picture perfect insta lives, grey and white decor and the crouching tiger, hidden dragon poses. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well maybe then, now it’s worth maybe two; gifted and ad. I remember when Instagram was full of colour and memories. Family...

www.wellnesswithsarah.co.uk

Omg just read this and it totally sums up how I feel about Insta! I’m worried about the effect this will have on future generations. I see so many people on Insta, constantly using filters, talking to strangers, trying desperately to be the next big thing and to make an income from selling products. Greed appears to have no boundaries. Well done on an excellent piece of writing - will share with others! Thank you!

 

[Travellinggal]

Just seen somebody today gifted all the shades of a foundation
I understand that they can't guess their shade by looking at photos of them but it's such a waste