The Impact of Influencer Culture on Consumerism and Identity Among the Youth

Introduction

• Scholar Interviewed: The spotlight of our research illuminates Elise Assaf, a scholar whose investigative journey delves into the transformative world of social media and its profound impact on individuals with disabilities. Assaf’s academic pursuits are anchored in exploring the vast seas of influencer culture, dissecting its intricate role in sculpting the perceptions, aspirations, and very identities of youth navigating the complexities of disabilities. Her expertise not only contributes a crucial scholarly lens to our understanding of digital culture but also enriches the discourse on accessibility, representation, and identity formation within the digital age. We had the privilege of engaging in a video call with her, delving into the study she had contributed to. Throughout our conversation, we eagerly absorbed her insights as she elaborated on her ideas, offering us a glimpse into innovative concepts.
• Insights Gained: Our engaging dialogue with Elise Assaf unveiled the multifaceted nature of social media, presenting a narrative that oscillates between the glorification of life through rose-tinted filters and the empowering platforms it offers for voices often marginalized. This dual narrative wields significant influence over the career dreams and personal identity frameworks of young people, especially those contending with disabilities. Assaf’s profound insights into this dynamic underscore the pivotal role of inclusivity and understanding in molding educational pathways and fostering personal growth among the youth. Our discussion brought to light the prevalent issues within the disabled community and emphasized the significant role that social media can play in both exacerbating and addressing them.

Section 1: Overview of the Scholar’s Study

• Study Summary: Assaf’s work, as detailed in “An Analysis of Literature on Disability and Fear through Life,” focuses on the intersections of disability, fear, and social perceptions across life stages. Their study critically examines how societal attitudes towards disabilities are mirrored and influenced by social media, stressing the importance of self-advocacy and inclusion. It sheds light on the myriad challenges encountered by disabled youth, including bullying, anxiety within educational environments, interactions with faculty and peers, access to higher education, and transitioning into adulthood.

Section 2: Interview Highlights

• Research Motivations: Assaf was driven by the lack of a nuanced understanding of how social media impacts individuals with disabilities, and additionally emphasizes the crucial significance of inclusivity and visibility for the disabled community.
• Challenges Faced: One major challenge highlighted was navigating the balance between showcasing reality and maintaining privacy or dignity, especially for those with disabilities. The study highlighted the common dilemma faced by individuals with disabilities, who often find themselves torn between striving for a conventional life and grappling with acceptance of their disability
• .Impact of Findings: the findings stressed the need for a more inclusive and diverse representation on social media platforms to foster a more accepting and understanding society. We discussed how important it is for genuine concern and interest in these issues for an influencer if they choose to discuss it on their platforms. It was noted that followers can easily detect a lack of sincerity, which can consequently portray the influencer as merely capitalizing on the trendiness of the issue. Furthermore, the research highlighted the power dynamics at play within influencer-follower relationships, emphasizing the responsibility influencers bear in shaping societal attitudes and perceptions. Authentic engagement with diversity and inclusivity issues not only enhances an influencer’s credibility but also contributes to meaningful social change. By prioritizing genuine connection and empathy over mere virtue signaling, influencers can play a pivotal role in promoting tolerance, acceptance, and understanding within their online communities.

Section 3: General Conceptual Ideas

Her work contributes to the broader discourse on the role of social media in shaping societal norms and perceptions, especially around disability and inclusion. It underscores the need for critical media literacy among the youth to navigate the complex landscapes of identity formation and consumerism influenced by influencer culture.

Section 4: Practical Ideas on Conducting Research

• Data Collection and Analysis Techniques: Assaf emphasized the importance of qualitative approaches to capture the nuanced experiences of individuals with disabilities interacting with social media.
• Advice for Researchers: The importance of ethical considerations, especially concerning privacy and representation of vulnerable populations, has been stressed.

Multimedia Elements

A Short Video Clip of our Interview

• Here is a segment from the interview with Elise Assaf discussing the transformative potential of inclusive influencer culture on societal attitudes towards disabilities.

Static Visualizations

• Only 24.2% of students with learning disabilities disclosed their disability status to post-secondary staff, indicating potential barriers in communication or support systems.
• A significant portion of students perceived university faculty as inaccessible, with just 33% requesting accommodations, suggesting issues with faculty approachability and awareness.
• The low disclosure and accommodation request rates imply a stigma associated with disabilities which may deter students from seeking help or openly acknowledging their disability.
• External influences such as social media, pop culture, and social circles could negatively affect students’ willingness to disclose their disabilities, contributing to the stigma and reluctance to seek necessary support.
• Recently, there has been a significant shift in positive attitudes toward mental and physical disabilities, marked by influencers and public figures openly embracing their identities and contributions to society.

Conclusion

• The exploration into the influence of social media on the lives of young individuals, particularly those with disabilities, has underlined a complex situation of how digital platforms act as double-edged swords. Through our discussion with Elise Assaf, we’ve unearthed an intersectional perspective on how influencer culture can both empower and intimidate, shaping aspirations and identities in profound ways. Assaf’s insights highlight the critical need for a more inclusive representation within digital spaces, advocating for a society that embraces all its members with understanding and respect.
• Through this research, we not only deepen our understanding of these pivotal issues but also take a step closer to realizing a more inclusive society. The path forward is paved with the stories, struggles, and successes of individuals from all walks of life, and it is our shared responsibility to illuminate and honor these narratives within our global digital village.

Publishing Guidelines

• Authorship: Alexis Logan and Harper, in collaboration with Elise Assaf.