Advertising is everywhere and will always exist and while I agree that this new era of “Influencers” is something that is here to stay, it is a whole new level of advertising and is quite scary. Radio, TV, billboard ads reach many but you may only see a couple of times. Influencers, especially if you follow one, it is in your face all of the time. The actual ad for the product, subtle product placement, using it in their 'real life,' spotting it while out and about etc.
I also agree, transparency is absolutely needed and I too, tend to take it with a pinch of salt when I see the correct ASA terms being used and it is being made clear that it is an ad. However I also feel, in the case of Mrs Hinch, she needs to take on some moral responsibility. I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt, that perhaps in the beginning she didn’t know how big she would get. However she is now fully aware of the Hinch effect. She is so loved, that she could easily even back peddle and say the bigger her account has got, the more she has learnt. That she was ignorant to the issues of using all the chemicals, the stockpiling, the single use plastic, the negative effects on the environment etc. and how to combat it. She could even say how she knows people want to be like her and as much as she is flattered, it has come to her attention that by wanting to be like her, some unhealthy habits are forming. People follow her and copy her now, because she is relatable. She could be even more relatable and still have her sheep, but by being honest. She could acknowledge that everyone is different, has different circumstances and different lives and lifestyles, health issues etc. She could insist people not get into debt because they want something that she has or has promoted and instead could offer alternatives e.g. a high end v's a budget but that both get the job done. Show recycling. Do giveaways. Learn more about Mental Health and provide links to real help. Be honest about her ads and money making but at the same time, almost give back by doing a 'Follow Friday' or similar for all the small companies that cant afford her fees. Do some real charity work e.g. getting her hands dirty and actually doing something proactive, not just posting something on her story. She could decide on a small number of cleaning products and only show them along nice a natural alternative. Something for everyone. She should also just be honest and acknowledge that her life has changed massively.
and nothing would surprise me anymore anyway.
