Actuality tv usually makes an attempt to seize parts of actual life in ways in which the viewers can relate to, normally via dramatic experimentation and shocking premises. This style depicts numerous features of life, from social features to the struggles of courting, utilizing distinctive codecs to debate the complexities of recent life.
Whereas many actuality TV reveals are profitable, Netflix’s new program, The Influencer, stands out from the remainder. Produced by Lee Jae-seok, the Korean present seeks to determine the “greatest influencer” from a gaggle of 77 on-line celebrities and content material creators.
The contestants are subjected to a collection of peculiar challenges, with their progress within the competitors decided by how nicely they will appeal to and maintain an viewers.
The present’s daring and unfiltered method units it aside as one of the crucial enlightening actuality TV reveals of current instances. The challenges offered will not be solely shocking however usually fairly offensive, forcing contestants to finish humiliating duties of their quest for the grand prize.
This method is designed to reveal the laborious truths about influencer tradition and what it means to generate income based mostly on the perceptions of others. The Influencer presents an unvarnished have a look at trendy society and the realities of the digital world, reaching a stage of perception not often seen in actuality TV.
A present that challenges perceptions
At first look, The Influencer would possibly look like simply one other actuality TV providing from Netflix. The advertising and marketing focuses closely on the social media personalities who take part within the present, which might lead viewers to anticipate a lighthearted expertise.
Nevertheless, the present begins with a thought-provoking query: why did you select to look at this program? This opening problem will get viewers excited about the affect of digital media and the way it has affected their determination to tune in.
This unsettling begin instantly units the tone for the collection, making ready viewers for the extreme and sometimes uncomfortable content material to comply with.
The present begins with contestants assembly one another and studying that their “value” is judged by their follower counts, which might run into the tens of millions. They have to then give one another “Likes” and “Dislikes” based mostly on first impressions, a well-recognized idea of social media however not often skilled in actual life.
This primary process highlights the influence of on-line responses and the way totally different they’re if you encounter them face-to-face. That is only the start of the extreme challenges.
Contestants will later must carry out numerous actions, corresponding to begging their followers to remain on-line throughout stay streams and promoting themselves as a product to win a hefty money prize.
These duties will not be solely tough however usually disturbing, underscoring the collection’ central message concerning the battle to realize and preserve consideration within the digital age.
The truth of being ‘the influencer’
The Influencer presents a strikingly correct portrait of the cruel actuality that influencers face at present. Many individuals underestimate the challenges of sustaining a web-based following.
Whereas there are advantages to being an influencer, it may be tough to depend on the ever-changing preferences of a web-based viewers for earnings.
Influencers usually must view themselves as merchandise, rigorously crafting their public picture to attraction to web customers, even when it doesn’t mirror their true selves. The present depicts this battle, displaying that whereas some influencers achieve changing into well-known by being genuine, promoting themselves is inherently difficult.
The present highlights how simply individuals overlook that influencers are actual people with their very own struggles and feelings.
The collection additionally explores the emotional toll that comes with on-line fame. Well-known TikToker sia_jiwoo discusses her expertise with the cruel criticism she receives on-line, reflecting the fact of coping with public disdain.
Magnificence YouTuber Risabae additionally reveals her heartbreak when requested to persuade her loyal followers to enter the competitors. The present’s “self-auction” problem, through which contestants must promote themselves to one another, is especially putting. Many contestants grow to be determined after they understand that nobody is fascinated by what they’ve to supply.
Is the influencer a optimistic addition?
Figuring out the optimistic influence of The Influencer is complicated. Whereas the present’s challenges are becoming reflections of recent influencer tradition, subjecting contestants to such excessive situations can solely add extra negativity to the style.
Regardless of the discomfort and harsh experiences offered, the present presents a transparent and trustworthy have a look at on-line tradition and the poisonous dynamics that always accompany it. By pushing boundaries, the present reveals the true nature of the digital world and the pressures it locations on people.
Whereas it might be uncomfortable to look at, The Influencer presents a useful, if unflinching, have a look at the tradition formed by social media. The Influencer is on the market to stream on Netflix within the US
