Look at health advice, for example. Because an influencer is followed by millions for their many articles and posts on the topic, you automatically may believe everything they have to say. They may explain a health concern in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way as opposed to a doctors perspective using medical terminology. This would make you feel as though the influencer is more reliable. Popularity does not equal expertise.
A professional typically goes through many years of education, training, and practice before they are entitled to practice and do work within a specific area. Doctors for example, have certain standards to uphold and a specific set of rules they are required to follow as far as their practice, education, research and knowledge in the area. They also have knowledge on the specific needs and condition of each person so there may be certain limitations and considerations the influencer cannot account for. Although this does not make professionals "always correct", they are trained in a very different kind of evaluation.
That being said, it is wrong to totally dismiss an influencer on the premise of being unprofessional. Some influencers use their own personal experiences to communicate information, some just want to raise awareness of a certain topic and many turn the complex into something more manageable, and it could be extremely beneficial if they make limitations clear and tell people to seek advice from an actual professional.
However, at the end of the day, confidence should not be mistaken with competency. A person can be widely followed due to their ability to present information in a believable way and yet in fact be incompetent on the given issue. Many followers may be inclined to trust the word of the influencer when they truly should not.
It becomes very problematic when followers look to these individuals for guidance when they are not trained to give it.
Millions of followers could spread misleading or harmful information as quickly as they can a good thing.
Because of this it is essential to ask yourself not just "How many followers does this person have?" but also "Why should I believe this person when they tell me this?"
Influencers may bring people together for a useful discussion, but doctors and other professional specialists must be looked to for advice on medical, legal or other essential concerns. Being internet famous does not give one the right to give advice that professionals are extensively trained and legally qualified to provide.
We should respect influence but perhaps be even more appreciative of the evidence, professionalism, and accountability for that advice.
#indiaunited #ecency #life #hive #hiveph #philipppines #ladiesofhive