Are YouTubers and social influencers doing too much with money?
Our answer is: probably so.
It seems like the more extravagant someone’s lifestyle is, the more jealous of and sucked into it we become. You aren’t alone if you ever wanted to feel what it’s like to make an extreme purchase or brag about how much you spent making a video.
There are so many YouTubers out there giving us an inside look at how well-off they are. But unfortunately, as much as we want these videos to inspire nothing more than motivation in viewers, they’re sparking emotions and actions in people that are far more dangerous.
Let’s explore how YouTubers and social influencers who share extravagant videos and lifestyles impact viewers financially.
Digital Overload is Real
Digital overload “happens when you have trouble processing the amount of information you take in online, leading you to feel distracted, anxious, fatigued, or even depressed. It can also relate to how you are taking in that information.”
When you’re wrapped up in YouTube and other social media platforms all day, it can lead to the mental health issues mentioned above as well as trouble with sleep, weight gain, and vision.
Additionally, you’re taking in so much information on these platforms that it can start to affect how you think and feel about your life. For instance, you might begin to feel envious of how popular YouTubers get to vacation all the time or critical of where you are financially.
As a result, people believe breaking their good financial habits, like saving and budgeting, is worth splurging on lavish vacations, fancy dining, and posh parties. But it most definitely isn’t.
It’s best to reduce the amount of time you spend on YouTube and other social media platforms so that your mind doesn’t become so impressionable. Set a timer for how long you’ll engage on these platforms and turn off notifications for the remainder of the day so that you aren’t tempted to reengage.
The “Cool” Hype
YouTubers and social influencers have a way of influencing buying behaviors in their viewers. Viewers become so involved with the cool purchases they’re watching that they start to feel a way about not being able to do the same thing.
Don’t get caught up in the “cool” hype. Don’t max out your credit card to buy the latest high-end fashion bag or shoes. Don’t empty your bank account to upgrade your apartment or make another unreasonable purchase because it’s the “cool” thing to do.
Instead, consider your needs and budget before making any big purchase. For example, scratch the expensive car. Regardless of what YouTubers and influencers are doing, you must remain realistic about the kind of car you can afford and your needs right now. The Ferrari will come later if you make the right financial decisions now.
More Doesn’t Mean Better
Many of the YouTubers we watch have a high standard for things like clothes, cars, homes, vacations, entertainment, and jewelry. Yet, they aren’t telling you that they can’t really afford any of these things.
Youtubers’ and influencers’ willingness to perpetuate a false narrative about their lives to keep up with an image is bad for viewers. Furthermore, it sparks an unhealthy relationship with money in many because if their favorite YouTubers and influencers have it all, they have to also, right?
But more doesn’t mean better. If you have more material things than another person, it doesn’t mean you’re more valuable than they are. It just means you have more stuff.
We must teach our children and ourselves that personal value has nothing to do with how much money we have, how many trips we can take every year, or what we can afford entertainment-wise. Instead, our value is attached to who we are on the inside, how we treat people, and what we do.
Conclusion
YouTubers and social influencers are portraying finances unrealistically in some capacity. Unfortunately, kids, teens, and even adults are getting so sucked into their favorite Youtubers’ and influencers’ lifestyles that it’s causing them to experience digital overload, buy into the “cool” hype, and take on the notion that more is better.
However, if we can limit our use of social media and digital platforms, do what’s within budget instead of what’s “cool,” and value quality over quantity, Youtube and social media, in general, will be much safer spaces.
