ARE INFLUENCERS MANIPULATORS? ✰ the psychology of beauty youtube | That's Debatable: Episode 1

[@danic7961]

I think the entire Shane x jeffree collaboration was a huge manipulation to buy their palette because of their “documentary” They made it seem like the most revolutionary palette when it really wasn’t. I bought it as it came out right when I got into makeup, and it’s not even my color story :( crazy how they made it so hyped

[@kylafish]

i literally don't like either of them but bc of that series i wanted it. crazy!

[@klear19634]

I cant stomach how shane kept saying "im so poor! Im broooke" when he lives in cali in a mansion. And then when people said anything negative towards the documentary or the palette JS would say "guys shane worked really really hard on it". Like this is a business not a 5 year olds macaroni project

[@aidcaor]

ShutUpStefana I completely agree to an extent and honestly I cringed too but don’t you think he both believes it himself and it’s trying to portray that concept of himself to others ? I think it was partially naive and innocent for real but he also knew it could be benefitial . As Julia explained in the video, the concept of people’s autonomy and responsibility over their own decision is there. I’m sure it was in his mind. That way they can both be perceived as the villain and the hero and there’s no right answer They’re such a good example of this, people can be both good and bad and that doesn’t define what they’re, like if they’re evil or good

[@Sonicman415]

Grwdanii JS does the hype thing well.. sadly, his color stories are not groundbreaking, ever.

[@cecilia929]

What documentary? I saw a commercial.

[@jessicatheodore1921]

I love the concept of this series and how you displayed information in an educational way and not just “spilling tea”

[@sydneyd2094]

It’s the next level of drama channels but actually has more substance

[@nathaliec8853]

Love the layout girl, talking about topics at an educational level is what gets me going

[@emmajohnson2365]

I kind of disagree with the argument that buyers have agency and this cancels out manipulation on the part of the influencer. Everyone thinks that commercials don't work on them, but there's a reason it's a multimillion dollar industry: advertising works. Of course we're not just robots who blindly buy whatever is shown to us, but we do all buy things based off of information we take in from both traditional and social media. I think where influencers get dangerous is that illusion of closeness you referred to. When Jaclyn Hill recommends that blinding highlighter, we see it as a friend recommending something to us, rather than what it is: a commercial. I know this is just an argument that you were presenting, not necessarily what you think! I'm just a Film & Media Studies major so I find this sort of analysis really interesting:) Great video by the way!

[@taylorjade6918]

The part that really gets us with KZbin is that there's multiple sources telling us the same thing: this IS the holy Grail whatever I didn't know I was looking for. Not just one "friend," but multiple positive reviews. It seems like a good way to purchase things, until you find you have a hoard and need to declutter just like all the gurus.

[@Noralet101]

100% agree with your statement.

[@aliyahsfaith]

If I could give a video an A+, a scholarship, a med school recommendation, it would be this one!

[@JuliaMazzucato]

FAVORITE COMMENT OMG

[@JuliaMazzucato]

me putting this video on my resume

[@MC-uy1ki]

I guess one modification to the individual agency argument, is that not everyone has the same level of agency. Children have not fully formed their decision-making skills. I think that if we know that, then influencers who have a young base need to be extra cautious. Not at odds with anything you said, but I do think that in any relationship you need to be aware of who that (parasocial) relationship is with and that some people might be manipulated, and some might not. Edit: also, props on the neutral definition of manipulation.

[@JuliaMazzucato]

Very true, didn't even think of that.

[@MC-uy1ki]

Smokey Glow's videos about Jake Paul and David dobrik talk a little about how audience age matters in terms of responsibility. (Plug for Smokey glow 😀)

[@jupiterliam7961]

we love a queen using her college education!!!!

[@lnterestingg]

Psychology + makeup series. LOVING IT ❤️

[@kylafish]

we are consumers of content. we decide who we watch, and what their impact on us has. yes, manipulators exist, but we need to watch the people who positively manipulate us.

[@beasttitanofficial3768]

Most of the big beauty you tubers seem to be selling us something at all times, which is why I stopped watching them. Nobody is immune to propaganda and social manipulation, no matter how much we think we are. I'm very frugal and good with my money and I like to think I'm very controlled, but even then, I found myself buying a lot of makeup products I ended up barely using because I kept seeing certain you tubers I admired speaking highly of these products. That's the essence of Capitalism, we are surrounded by ads and images and people telling us to buy things and we could argue we don't need any of it but, at the end of the day, not a single one of us in the western world can say we have never purchased something unnecessary. Because we all have, we have all convinced ourselves at one point or another that a certain object would improve our lives.

[@Sonicman415]

Mariana Gaioso boom! 🤦‍♀️100%

[@mariakiwi1428]

Mariana Gaioso agree

[@mariakiwi1428]

Mariana Gaioso I pretty much gave up on them bc the biggest youtubers seems to always be the ones who have bad makeup techniques,also their makeup most of the time is made to look good in full studio lighting which often looks awful in normal lighting or “real life”

[@shanne-pearlgutierrez1651]

It’s not a coincidence that the first thing I thought of was Jaclyn 👀👀

[@zusamy20]

James Charles too! Tbh

[@JazUpMyStyle]

same lol

[@happygreenclean]

He dad was her teacher. Tones, micro facial expression, and body language can make a huge difference. She learned from an expert.

[@kadamowicz68]

Tati.....total manipulation right there. Throws out personal info for pity.🤮

[@JazUpMyStyle]

Six Kidlets good point lol I almost forgot about her

[@MC-uy1ki]

You referenced the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and I was like 😍 Love this new series!

[@Sonicman415]

The beauty industry continually tells us we need this or that... So this conversation is perfect for this industry, and so many others. Yes, influencers manipulate. Took me a minute to really get this. I was hundreds of dollars in by the time I realized JH was ‘selling’ products, as much as reviewing them.. I ended up unfollowing so many youtube influencers based on my feeling the hollowness of their ethics, and getting that they do this for a really, really, REALLY good living. Makeup can be so fun, and through this medium I have become great at doing my own makeup, and I became obsessed with owning more than I will ever need. Now I’m much more discerning about what I buy. I know my own style, skin tone/undertones, better. I shop my stash more. I still want more than I will ever actually use. BRUSHES are an obsession, but I am a single human, not an influencer or a makeup artist, so.. do I need ‘backups’ of incredible brushes? The Law and Order theme sound... Your vids are so amazing. Girrrrrrrl, you are deep and intelligent. That gets me. Thank you! Topic idea: Creating a world that works for everyone.

[@taylorjade6918]

Love this! It's true that we all started somewhere, but as long as we take accountability and learn from it, we're doing what we should.

[@Sonicman415]

As we learn and grow we become better and better 💙💖💙

[@jessicastraw6593]

While I do think that being an influencer is inherently a form of manipulation, I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing. Everyone manipulates people every day in our own lives, even if it's subconscious. It's the people who take advantage of that and prey on vulnerable people who are the problem. Having said that, I think we as consumers of content, of products, etc. have to take more personal responsibility than we currently do. I've seen so many topics come up on various channels where people are complaining about brands not telling them stuff or influencers not telling them stuff or influencers making content they don't like, and I cannot support that. It is your responsibility as a consumer to do your research about a product before buying it, you cannot lay that at the feet of a brand when they don't call out every ingredient in a formula. The ingredient list is right there, take a read before you buy. If you as a viewer do not like certain content during this pandemic because whatever reason, then don't watch it. If you dislike influencer affiliate codes, then don't use them. No one is "making" you buy anything you don't want. No one is "making" you watch anything you don't want. People and brands WILL manipulate you. That's called marketing. It's the consumer's job to take care of themselves and not buy something they don't want.

[@taylorjade6918]

Well put! 100% agree

[@supreme_aset777]

It’s just human nature to be manipulative, but like you said, intent is key. Your therapist imo is right. I’ve asked my mother that question before and she gave a similar answer and it just makes sense. Like I’ve said before, you’re genuine and wise beyond your years. Truly, it has been a pleasure to watch your content so far. Xoxo 💕

[@dr.claire.perfume]

"do we use Wikipedia as a cited source? Well, sometimes." Sounds like me in my PhD.

[@elektrakomplexet]

Claire Smith lifehack: use the sources Wikipedia used.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Last joke I ever make...

[@iuliapopovici9357]

I clicked so fast omfg . I love the concept of the new series ! Really looking forward for the NexT videos 😍😍

[@kvrvs]

Okay QUEEN!!!! Come thru!!!! 😍😍🙌🏼 Julia I think this series is definitely a conversation starter on topics most people would be scared to speak out on 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@kristinaortiz5488]

Yes! This is the KZbin content I’ve been wanting. 😩 I’ve been really into commentary KZbin lately and for a long time in KZbin I’ve been wanting content like this where a person presents thoughts and opinions and compares it to other arguments. I enjoy your well thought out videos. 🥰I always told myself If I did youtube I would want to do this style I just never knew what to call it. I’m really excited to see your channel grow and see where it goes. ❤️

[@karac5138]

Great video Julia! I watch a lot of your videos but never commented before - this time, I wanted to suggest a possible future debate on the concept of "my truth". You mentioned in a previous video that there's just the truth, not "my truth" or someone else's truth. But is truth always objective? Think this would be a cool discussion

[@mandysberi]

That was very college paper-y for the first half. I still appreciate the video :)

[@JuliaMazzucato]

well college papery is my brand so

[@mandysberi]

@@JuliaMazzucato hahaha yes

[@Theblondebass1]

Lol one more comment: great job on both perspectives. For the class I TA for, we would always tell the students to work on the opposing argument until they themselves were pleased with it. So A+!

[@quitetheslay8700]

I'm so in love with this video series idea. Isolation has really helped me think a lot about my spending habits in relation to beauty and videos like that really help me form a clearer opinion on what I should be doing with my money. Bravo

[@augustlunaonline]

Makeup & academic content all in one? Right up my ally! Thank you for putting in all the effort to research, touch on the specific details and different sides of the topic, plus encourage discussion. I loved watching the video and then reading all the comments. Can’t wait to see more in this series!

[@jennacarlton4803]

oooo I really liked this. I love how much thought and effort you put into this. I am taking a class called Individual Rationality & Group politics and it discusses a lot about manipulation of the masses as well as individual choices we make. I think you would be able to weigh in on is buying makeup rational? or how is it rational to buy more makeup than we could ever use? The rationality of makeup would be a super interesting topic!

[@glamigator7694]

just wanna start off and say i loved this video and the idea for this series! you came off as very well spoken and presented a lot of interesting perspectives i hadn’t considered before in regards to the topic. i think it’s easy to look at a lot of the top influencers (the biggest example that comes to my mind is JH using her issues with alcohol to make people feel sorry for her to buy her palette). a lot of the hyper-consumeristic language can come off as manipulative, even if the creator did not intend or even realize that, especially when there is a huge brand deal tied into that. i feel like a lot of more impressionable viewers hear this language and think that the product they’re plugging will be THE thing that makes their makeup amazing like the influencer they’re watching. it definitely does require that the viewer steps back and thinks if they actually /do/ need the product, or if it’s actually something unique to their collection/matches their makeup style, etc. i think there is a line between presenting something one is genuinely passionate about or if it’s just to get their coin. i don’t watch any of the “OG beauty gurus” and moreso watch smaller creators that take on a less consumeristic standpoint with their videos, as it comes across as more genuine to me. i think an interesting follow up to this video in particular would be talking about this in regards to influencer collabs.

[@marawbl]

I think that this new series is really cool, thank you Julia :)

[@loose_sweata]

Very excited for this series! I’m such a dork for well structured and evidence filled debates. Can’t wait to see what you do with this. Xoxo

[@brideynewell4993]

Loving the intro, media studies student approved

[@nathaliec8853]

Wow life changing quote from your therapist, thanks for sharing💕

[@ElaM]

I love this type of format!!

[@mariamhussain3192]

I've been binge watching your videos for a while and loveeee them! Genuinely feel like I learn something everytime i watch x

[@dermalcompass3943]

Omg I LOVE this idea and this video is so well made.. did you debate at university level?? The structure here is SO good similar to that context even within a certain point, like you know to start generically and not make an example until the very end. Love this series!!

[@JuliaMazzucato]

Thank you so much! I debated in high school and I was planning on joining a debate team at UCLA this year as a freshman but since campus got shut down for remote learning i'll probably put that off until next year :)

[@taylorjade6918]

Influencers influence. Depending on their intention changes whether it's (negative) manipulation or not. What we can do is take responsibility for where our money and time is going.

[@AmyLovesMakeup]

This is such a good video! I really enjoyed it and I think hearing the argument on responding to hate comments would be interesting as well

[@user-wx9lb2jv8n]

Loved the concept of this video! You are so articulate and make informed, detailed arguments instead of just 'spilling tea'. I would love to see more of this content. Also, the into is 💯

[@Theblondebass1]

Through my experience with college and work, everyone has an agenda, whether they realize it or not, and it will always influence how they react in any situation. I was a TA for 3 years for a class called foundations of civil society and it was based on studying the different theories of human nature and which one you prescribed to and understanding how that made you approach any situation, positive or negative. It was a grand time!

[@inaudier1486]

probably my favourite julia video?? i cant wait for more!!

[@Ruby-yd3er]

I just want to say that I have recently found you because of your collaboration with Amanda (thank you Amanda also!!). But I love how much your videos make you think and how you want us to talk about the topic that you are addressing in your video! Love love love! I love Sociology so so much and I am even minoring in with my Bachelors in Design, so I love that you have this sort of discussion going about social relations and actually kind of changing our perspective on the term manipulation! So thank you, Julia, for manipulating me into watching your videos lol ❤️

[@yuting386]

Hi Julia, love this series! It's always fun to listen to you talking about social media. Great learning experience about this field.

[@greenteawhoney]

I LOVE THIS!! This is so informative and beautifully constructed. I love including the definitions in the beginning and looking at it through specific lenses. This takes me back to my debate days😍

[@aurynaranjo3272]

Great message: keep thinking

[@samx_makeup4454]

I LOVE YOUR COMMENTARY VIDS

[@siobhan5214]

I just saw the title and said out loud to myself "yep."

[@user-no3md1bw2l]

I love this series that you have created💕💕

[@lolataba7042]

If the influencer has a child or young audience, i think it is always manipulation if their are constantly promoting products, specially if this includes sponsorships, affiliate codes, etc. I hate when millionare influencers with 11 year old fans say things like "please buy my merch and support me". When you are young, the parasocial relationship there is even bigger, you feel like that influencer is truly your friend, you need to buy their things, use the same makeup they use, etc. So in that case, it is always manipulation, because you are taking advantage of kids basically. Ugh my english sucks.

[@surobhichatterjee9828]

I think a lot of the convincing is not just what adjectives influencers use, but its also the lives they lead and everything around them. When I see an influencer talk about a foundation which I can't afford, and its a formula which I probably already have, the adjectives don't entirely convince me. Because at the end of the day, I'm aware of the compromises I'll have to make to purchase that item, and how I can dupe that product. But when I see an influencer with skin much better than mine, and probably being in a mental space better than mine, I think the product will make me "happier" and if I own the product I'll get the same gratification as the influencer. It's more about the excitement and hyper behaviour over the adjectives, because if most of the influencers are quite dense and repeat the same five words that they have heard other people say. This is also one of the primary reason, I have rarely seen KZbinrs sit calmly and talk. I feel like they scream and shout when they do their makeup and so after I'm done watching their video their voices echo in my ear and I can't not think about the good things they have to say about a product. This is also one of the main reason I tend to buy new products before I fully start using the products that I might have bought a few weeks ago, because "my life didn't change overnight because of this browny nude lipstick, neither did my student debt go away". After buying something it can come across as a shock that makeup isn't "Life-changing" it can only do so much, and so the buying cycle starts!

[@sammilee418]

Hi Julia! I love this format of video - this is why I think you stand out so much from other influencers out there and I really appreciate your thorough research. I was hoping you might cover the “clean beauty” movement since you have a med background.

[@Raeoncollective]

I honestly loved your opinion it was so clear but relatable and I really can’t wait for the rest of this series 💜💜💜

[@nicholedino8505]

I LOVED this video!! I think the format is great to engender a conversation!

[@kristenyee9508]

unrelated but I was wondering what your thoughts on the melt cosmetics Gemini vs rust palette were! They are kind of similar and I want to purchase but I’m not sure which one! I know you are pretty familiar with Melt

[@sabraph3]

I think that everyone, even myself, have a type of “fake”. I think that isn’t bad but, it could be bad if it is used too much. I think beauty influencers don’t manipulate I just think they are good sales people. I’m on both sides.

[@vinczemarti]

I notice on myself sometimes that if I think I want to buy a product or it's already in the mail, I hype myself by intentionally look for positive reviews to convince myself to go for the purchase. And if I stumble upon a review that starts out positive but turns negative I click away. Or if I don't want to buy a product I watch negative reviews so I tell myself "I told you so". I know what I am doing, I know I am watching content selectively to fit my needs. In my mind influencers only amplify the purchasing decisions I've already made.

[@bluetals]

I absolutely love all the really smart debating going on in the video and the comments!!! I can’t wait for more of these 🌸🌸🌸

[@aidcaor]

I loved this video. Pls keep this series going, would love that. Very thoughtful well put together reasoning. It’s great you’re bringing attention to this so people may be inspired to just think or question things. And thank you for putting in this obvious amount of effort

[@FollowMimo]

I really enjoyed listening to you and I also appreciated what you said about responsibility. I am a teacher and my line of work often makes me question the advice I give my students. The words of your therapist are really helpful right now. Thanks a lot for this great video and this new series!

[@Cla226]

One of the worst examples of influencers being manipulators is when an influencer targeting someone, this person being another influencer or a member of the public, and sending their followers to attack that person, as you said in a mob mentality way, most of the times it is done accidentally (but sometimes it could have been avoided) and sometimes it is done on purpose, those are the moments when you can see the true power of manipulation.

[@sydneyd2094]

Yeah sometimes followers do it even when the influencer doesn’t want them too, but sometimes depending how you word things it can encourage people to act vindictively.

[@sarahwithstars]

You raised a superb point there... Manipulation certainly has more of a feeling of persuasion than convincing but I personally think it goes beyond even persuasion: ~Convincing is pushing someone the last 10-20% towards a decision they were already nearly making. Someone who wants Becca SSP in Pearl sees a good review then buys it. ~Persuading is pushing someone 50-70% towards a decision, possibly even changing their opinion on a topic or final option by giving them a a miriad of new information, good reasons in favour of the choice and a load of negative reasons why any other potential decision would be a mistake. Someone wants Becca SSP in Moonstone, sees their fave influencer with their skintone use Becca pearl, so they too buy pearl instead of moonstone they had previously wanted. However ~Manipulation involves planting a brand new seed of an idea and convincing them it was their own idea and decision that they had made. Then, yes, whether they follow it through is their own decision, but why wouldn't they if they think they are exercising free will and had an idea or a want. Someone has 15 highlighters including 3 they haven't opened to use yet, sees an influencer use Becca SSP Pearl so they bought it too with $3off and gave the influencer commission.

[@jubeeajwee]

i love your commentary videos :)

[@leamorgado6141]

Yessss. This is the quality content I subscribed for! Thank you for making me think of things and perspectives that i had never thought of!

[@bregieirofernandes]

I LOVE this series! What a great idea!

[@shirinshadowktten]

I just wanted to let you know that I am proud of you for doing this series. You put a lot of effort into making this video and I found it enjoyable to watch. I don’t feel that the Beauty Influencers are manipulating any more than anyone else who works with people. I am in the Casino industry and while I don't speak to an audience of thousands, I see hundreds of people every day. I will fully admit that I use my position to influence a person's actions while they are in my establishment; it is part of my job. Just like in the Beauty Community, it is part of the Influencer's job to share their opinions on products and if sponsored by a Brand, do their best to market that product. What I don't do is force a person to come to the Casino. It is the same with Beauty Influencers, they don't force people to watch them, subscribe to their channels, or buy the products that they use, like, or recommend. Yes, there is a level of manipulation, based on the definition that you were using in your video, that is present with Influencers, but I don’t think that an Influencer should be held responsible if someone purchased a product based on a recommendation. It boils down to every person is in charge of his/her own path. They are the ones that make the decisions that will impact their lives, not the Influencers.

[@dorianfournier455]

im obsessed with this idea, like i think as consumers we always have to think about the motivation behind using certain products in videos or what influencers talk about. like theres always a reason that theyre using one foundation over another, since theyve tried too much stuff to just be like this is my favourite one! the motivation needs to understood, and how clear or not that motivation is is what makes some influencers more trustworthy over others. also what editing site/software do you use?

[@britalea4474]

I truly love the thoughtful approach to this debate and after considering both sides idk if I’m able to truly align with one side. As you said we don’t live in a perfect world and therefore I believe there are influencers with positive, neutral, and malintent. Can’t wait to see more videos like this!

[@sarahdavis85]

I love your eye look it is so creative!!

[@avadakedavra1234]

I never thought about manipulation being positive but I think that it’s mostly bad. When you’re making someone think the way you want them to sounds bad to me because you’re not letting them think for themselves. Idk just a thought, I would like to hear what you think Julia.🙂

[@avadakedavra1234]

ShutUpStefana I agree, good point.

[@nathatleue]

I think this video was very well formatted and the way youve done so+ the way you talk reminds me of a podcast so it is really nice to listen to 💕

[@em-co9be]

I don't feel as if the question is are influencers manipulators, but rather are they consciously manipulators, which you mentioned. I feel everyone is a manipulator, but as many influencers get a larger following, I think they consciously manipulate. Jeffree Star, Tati, Jaclyn Hill, Manny MUA, Laura Lee, all these major influencers manipulate, especially since they have their own brands. A major example of this, which isn't a beauty guru, is Logan Paul, who manipulates his younger audience to buy his merch. There are those that consciously manipulate and sway their audience, and there are those who share their opinions and unconsciously manipulate someone's opinions. Which ultimately, comes down to the audience's responsibility to recognize manipulation. I loved this video and it was great food for thought!

[@colesparks9850]

I really love this series concept for you. It seems you’ve been wanting to tackle some form of commentary for a while!

[@AmbreenK]

This is the first time I've watched one of your videos and this debate was soo interesting. Definitely love the thesis side of this, i feel like I'm learning something. I'm an influencer on youtube too and I feel like I was brought back to thought of why I even started youtube and whether my journey has changed or not and whether I'm doing it for the right reasons because lets be honest I'm not doing well on youtube even though I've done it for years and possibly it could be my fault and I wonder if my style changed because of the influence of people I watch. 🤔I can't wait to watch more of your content.

[@hannahgodsmark1853]

I think the caveat for me is that I see manipulation versus influence as a matter of deliberate versus subconscious/base level human behaviour stuff. Manipulation feels active, influence feels passive. Also BRO I LOVE this uni level discussion, thank you so much for nourishing the girls >.

[@Natalia91]

I subscribed to your channel yesterday and have been watching every video. Thank you for the great content!

[@sarahschouveller1993]

Thanks for starting this amazing series on my birthday :)

[@Name-tv2bw]

I LOVED this!

[@zainubsheikh8198]

I love this format of videos! They're so intereasting but also educational. I do think that most influencers do some kind of manipulation, but usually they don't intend to. Of course some do it on purpose such as: Jeffree Star, Jaclyn Hill and even Tati during last year's drama.

[@doctorajaguar]

This is their work and even their brand, so OBVIOUSLY they are trying to sell you stuff. KZbin has replaced magazines reviews and ads. And that is a cool thing, is way more fun and enterteining. You dont have to buy anything they showcase, nobody is putting a gun to your head. Your money and how you spend it is YOUR responsability.

[@agirlyhasnoname]

Good eye I didn't even think about how KZbin has replaced magazine reviews and ads.

[@sinemadsen8272]

You had so many great arguments for both sides that now I'm undecided 😅 But great video and looking forward to the next one ❤️❤️

[@Theblondebass1]

She did a great job showing both sides

[@Bluelilly40]

In the end, we are all individuals with complete autonomy. To "blame" an influencer for "making" you buy a palette, or anything else that ends up being crappy, is a cop- out. The final decision rests with whomever decides to buy whatever was recommended. We need to take ownership of our choices instead of constantly placing blame.

[@sabraph3]

During this video I was shaving my face and it was the only time I didn’t cut it. Idk what you did Julia but you did something!

[@X3N14]

I love this idea 🤩

[@ivechang6720]

This was exceptionally interesting for me. I am very intentional about influencing people. It's part of my belief and ethical systems to be aware, willful, accepting and responsible. One area you didn't discuss deeply is how the different balances possible in the relationship impact the perception of responsibility. How do they affect the analyses of intent? Distance/ larger inequality of balace is often used to diminish responsibility while also highlighting the lack of harmful intent. Which brings awareness into the discussion. Does lacking awareness excuse a person from consequence? Or does responsibility include maintaining a certain level of awareness for the possible consequences? I think this is where we tend to make judgements on individual bases. Yet I wonder how frequently do we evaluate this process as a society at large? Where are the flaws in our practice of evaluating influence/ responsibility balances? Well thanks so very much for the fun. Be careful with yourself. ♡

[@MegaGreendaypunk]

Love this video and excited for this series! I love how informed you are. I definitely lean on the side that it's all about an influencers intention, if they do undisclosed sponsorship's, plug their discount code every 2 seconds and push a product that is actually terrible or nothing like the verbiage used to describe, then i think there is the intent to manipulate for financial gain. I also think that manipulation isn't that neutral of a term, I'd argue its influencing someone for personal gain, often at some cost of the other person. I think the term 'influence' or 'influencing' would be the more neutral term. Just my 2 cents :)

[@MegaGreendaypunk]

Also I watch influencers for advice on a product before i purchase, I don't often purchase off the whim of what another person has said. I think that would be bad decision making. Which is probably why influencers with younger audiences have a staggering amount of money and followers. Unfortunately it's easier to manipulate children and teens :(

[@kristene6622]

I'm in a philosophy phd program and both this whole series concept & "defining the variables is an essential part of understanding the argument on both sides" made me so friggin happy, smashed that mf subscribe button

[@Cla226]

In my opinion the answer is of course, after all the name is influencer, they have influence over the audience but tho get them to do what they want as in buy their products or a product they advertise, they must manipulate their audience even if it is slightly, that happens with any brand and business. But as you said to be an influencer you must be liked and that is also a form of manipulation since after all we don't share everything on the internet and we only show our best side, which of course is changed according to what society, the audience and the consumers like.

[@abidavies154]

This reminded me of being in the first year of uni in my philosophy lectures

[@sandrad7633]

I don’t know why, but I have an urge to buy the Smokey Glow palette 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kassyrose2302]

Yes yes yes! This is incredible and well thought through, way more than I banked on when I saw your tweet yesterday.

[@CurlyGirlNat]

Love you and all your videos!💓💓

[@Haley_Logan]

I AN HERE FOR THIS ❤️

[@lizzy_1079]

Last time I was early I was not wearing makeup

[@rayansalama2155]

Is j❤lia manipulating us ? Thats debatable ! Thats a secret I'll never tell , xoxo gossip girl .

[@elizabethj8130]

Thank you , Julia.

[@takishasallbeautyzone]

I feel like there are multiple levels of manipulation in the YT space. For the vast majority, I feel like (perhaps naively so) most influencers are manipulating on the same level that one would use to try to convince their real life friend to try a new item, listen to a new song or watch a new show. They're excited about the new thing and they want to share. I even feel that it is possible to have this same outlook when YT becomes a job. However, when one becomes a VERY large KZbinr with millions of eyes on them, the lines can get blurred. I think the creator has to work very hard to stay grounded. I've noticed some of my favorite larger channels going through ebbs and flows where you can tell that they got caught up in the hoopla and had to bring it back to basics. The things that made them loveable or entertaining in the first place. As we grow, we all change and learn. I try to remember that when I see people perhaps going down a negative manipulation rabbit hole. If they're a channel/ person that I've really grown to enjoy watching, I just try to be patient. Inevitably, they get their heads screwed back on correctly. Oh, and btw, yes Sam did MAKE me buy that dang foundation. 😉 Good thing I really like it!

[@ephemeralaurora977]

I think if there's one thing I want to add to this conversation and the role of parasocial relationships in terms of manipulation, it's how age tends to play into things and can create a power imbalance. From what I usually tend to see, most larger influencers tend to have audiences that are younger, whether that be young adults (18-22ish) watching people in their mid-twenties and older, or teenagers and younger children watching young adults. This is not always the case, as there are influencers who fall in the middle of their demographic in terms of age. I can't exactly tell what kind of demographic Julia has, for instance, but I do know that I am older than her (I'm 22) and subscribed. But I also know that she is a bit of an anomaly in my own subscriptions, as most of the people I am subscribed to are my age or older. For the large influencers in particular, though, like Jeffree Star or James Charles, most of their audience are young and while James himself is also young, he is still, technically and legally speaking, an adult. Even if we go outside of beauty KZbin we see a lot of the larger influencers have a younger base, like the Paul brothers for example. I think that this age difference does play a large part in manipulation, whether it be good or bad, as younger people may be more likely (again, not necessarily, but this is just from what I've seen) to idolize and look up to the influencers that they follow. This might make them more likely to want to buy products these influencers recommend or promote in order to be like them or to gain their approval. This also can come into play in regards to more toxic and full-stop cases of manipulation, like the Gabbie Hanna incident Julia touched on in the video. There can also be a subconscious element at play that because this person is older than me, they therefore know better or are wiser than me, so I should listen to them, when this may not be the case or may even be something that the influencer is banking on to get their subscribers to do whatever action. But yeah, that's just my thoughts on the matter. All in all, I thought this was a great video and I think Julia made some very interesting arguments!

[@becm963]

The thing I like about your channel the most is your endearing personality. It appears to be extremely genuine. Perhaps it is because you are going to be a doctor. You are intelligent and creative. That is a strong combination.

[@JuliaMazzucato]

Thank you so much, this comment really meant a lot to me. I hope I can show people that I care a lot about what I do in my future career.

[@strawberrybonbonxo]

Yes, social influencers manipulate the same way salespeople do, or anyone does in a job interview or on a first date. You want to be seen favorably by an audience. The reasons may vary, and I think that's where your intent comes in. I think almost all influencers start out because they love what they're doing, and sharing their love for it, and connecting with others who love it too. Some get more corrupt along the way and focus on the money and the ego (because there's almost always both at that level). And there may be a few for whom it's both - the money/power/ego AND the love of what they do, and when those fall, it's the ones with the love who get back up. I think as long as the influencer is true to themselves, it's not manipulation in the ugly sense of the word, but just morally neutral. It's how humans interact.

[@emmabumann3531]

Okay love

[@amandabb]

THE SVU MUSIC TOOK ME OUT

[@hanzdefuko1370]

A minute in And I have to say great episode. Keep up the great work 👍👌

[@jessjms1181]

I agree intent is what really matters not just the action itself. I personally view manipulation negatively, to me its self serving that disregards negative effects for others.