Influencers vs. Professionals: Who Should We Trust?

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As social media has gained immense popularity, many individuals have also risen to fame—specifically, those known as "influencers." Often, people simply bestow this title upon themselves. For instance, if someone starts posting health-related videos and gains a following, they may begin to feel popular and label themselves a "health influencer." It becomes impossible to verify whether they hold any relevant degrees or possess genuine expertise in the field, as the title is self-proclaimed. Similarly, you might see people on social media who—after hitting the gym for a short while and mastering a few exercises—start calling themselves "fitness influencers." When newcomers see them working out, they are impressed by the person's form and decide to follow them; as this happens repeatedly, the individual's popularity grows. Along with this popularity, people's trust in them also increases. However, the issue arises when someone asks a question that goes beyond their limited knowledge, potentially causing them to struggle. Consequently, when the reality behind such individuals is exposed, public opinion can quickly turn against them.

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The question arises: does becoming famous on the internet automatically make someone an expert in a particular subject? My answer is that this is not necessarily true; nowadays, people often resort to questionable methods to boost their follower counts. Just because someone shares information about a specific topic, it does not mean they are a genuine expert in that field—after all, information can be sourced from anywhere. The real challenge lies in knowing whom to trust. That said, not everyone on social media falls into the category of those who are merely popular due to high follower counts while claiming expertise they do not possess. There are many individuals who are genuine experts in their fields and also command a large following on social media. It is appropriate to call such people "influencers," as they are often highly knowledgeable and consistently share valuable information relevant to their fields. This allows their audience to gain insights, thereby enhancing their knowledge and improving their lifestyles.

We need to understand that there is a significant difference between being popular and being an expert. Nowadays, people often equate a high follower count with popularity; however, in the health sector, while many influencers are indeed popular, they cannot be classified as experts. Being a health expert is a distinct matter. If we face a health issue, it is far better to consult a nearby doctor—or even a pharmacist—than to rely on the opinion of an online influencer. These professionals are considered experts because they handle numerous patients daily and have been doing so for years; the experience they possess is something most popular influencers likely lack. Therefore, rather than seeking help online, it is advisable to contact a qualified expert in your vicinity.

Seeking online help for certain things might be acceptable to some extent, but when it comes to health, one should never be negligent or place trust in someone whose expertise is unknown; simply labeling oneself an "influencer" or enjoying popularity is not a sufficient basis for trust. Becoming a doctor and earning that title is no easy feat; it is the result of years of hard work and overcoming numerous struggles. Just because someone claims to be a "health influencer" and shares health-related videos, it does not mean they are an expert in the field. In today's world, people will do anything to gain popularity, so we should not trust others too easily—especially regarding health issues, for which one should always consult a qualified local expert.

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