Do influencers have your best interests in mind?

Be careful who you follow. Be careful who you let into your inner world.
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[@Users_rx]

When they start looking at the audience like a pile of money to grab on, they have crossed the line imo. But these days people will just say 'we all need to make money', no wonder most of us feel meaningless😂 Thank you for being very transparent with us.

[@susanaaires3979]

I don't have any respect for most influencers.

[@deborahmoreland1334]

Social media is really tough on mental health!

[@mercifulmermaidtarot2630]

I think it’s awful for any influencer in any industry to mislead their followers (re: scripts, promoting products they don’t actually use, and being fake). But it’s even worse when you are a mental health influencer because your audience is arguably more vulnerable. Mental health professionals are expected to follow a code of ethics/conduct that protects clients. Obviously following a therapist online is NOT equivalent to getting therapy from them, but the therapist still has a responsibility to do everything possible to minimize harm to people seeking information about mental health issues.

[@pianodesu]

Also the quality of audience/followers matters more at some point than amount

[@michelekurlan2580]

Pretty certain that most content creators on social media are there to make a buck and gain some notoriety. Some lead with their hearts and truly have good products, yet it is easy to see how even the best and most noble intentions can be lost along the way with the levels of competition and temptation. Its called SALES and it is a short throw from decency to deceitfulness. Gotta be pretty grounded in that world. That being said, I have just started coaching with Scott. My concern was that he might be different face-to-face. Yknow, how some punlic figures seem one way on stage and different one to one. Nope! Whatcha see, ya get. Same guy. Very human. No "pop-psych."Same "radio voice", sense of humor, and beyond being the excellent communicator we know from social media, he really listens, reflects back and offers "sustainable" suggestions. I look forward to my next coaching session with Dr. Scott. Here's to that "extra 10k" and continued growth and notoreity(cult following..lol)

[@tomburns7544]

Any time a crowd gathers (either in person or online), there is some greasy schmuck that will try to siphon money out of them. Thanks for the wise words, Scott!

[@christineyeong]

It’s ridiculous that some coaches/companies charge thousands for their programs these days, when all of the info is already available for free. Thanks for being one of the real ones who actually makes compassionate detailed videos about these topics, instead of being a daily content churner/influencer/motivational speaker/marketer who says nothing or only pushes their products.

[@myhalowithin]

It amazes me how a channel will erase a comment, then blame it on an easy U tube, because the comment did not align with the direction it was meant to take you. Be cafeful of therapist that are leaning on one side politically. Personally, I don't believe any professional (mental health) should influence their audience about a political choice. You have an exceptional channel Dr. Ellers. Thanks for being real.

[@sweetest247]

Yes Tacky Greed my friend greed.

[@sl4983]

Interesting

[@klpuhelin2816]

The channels and the topics that I follow are probably a little odd from the mainstream point of view, so I think they are mostly quite genuine and their followers real people. But what makes me sick are the politicians who have bought followers and fans. There are also a lot of bots in the internet pretending to be real people. Such a strange world. 🙄

[@RSanchez111]

I'm cynical too and cynical enough that there are some mental health content creators who I even started to think are actively not helping just to get us to spend money on their programs. At least Scott seems like a genuine good guy.

[@stephanieh930]

The letter/ad you read immediately made me think "scammer"! Good note on being careful and doing research - not everything is how it seems :(

[@creativelady7]

I believe you've got this torally right, Scott. Good to hear someone say it!

[@JohnNathanShopper]

I make the same assumption. I listen to all these KZbin voices for mostly entertainment, and I try to have skepticism when really engaging their ideas. Some goodness is still possible with all the ads and clickbait and SEO. But it’s like keeping healthy distance from people in real life. You don’t know who’s really good and how unvarnished they’re being at any moment. At least I try.

[@bertholdroettgers213]

"There's dogs with more followers" 😹😂I'm still laughing. You made my day!

[@junegagnon6506]

There are a lot of KZbin bloggers and professionals on KZbin in the health industry even Doctors that lead you along and then say just send such and such money and you will get xyz help with their plan. And it's usually expensive and you don't know if it will help with your particular situation. I have been looking at DNA problems that could be affecting mental health in regards to bad genes and foods and beverages that are right for you with it. But the only way to know is to do the tests. But its hard to know even which companies to go with because there are so many fraudulent practices there. So you are back to square one with the guessing game. Thank-you for these reminders today in helping us be careful. We certainly need all the help we can get in this current world we live in now. Thank-you for being a good moral person!! 🙋🌸

[@Crazydoglady.]

This is a great subject 😊

[@LowV-o7x]

So much respect for you for showing this to your audience! I hope you keep this up as a reminder. I know that, but even I forget many times. I can’t imagine how it is for someone who has no idea on how social media works.

[@dlitvin23]

Off topic, but I'm curious what your thoughts are on the slew of media reports about random acts of violence, like walking down the street and being punched or shootings recorded on livestreams in churches, just to use a couple most recent examples. I'm irritated by reporters saying it's a mental health crisis as if all people with mental illnesses are homicidal or violent. Mental illness should also not be used as an excuse or get out of jail free card

[@twistoffate4791]

I'm too busy worrying about perishing in a mass shooting. We're not safe in churches, schools, libraries, malls, or anywhere else now. Every time I leave my house I wonder if I'll ever see my beloved dogs again.

[@francine6485]

Couple of my favorite creators have now started to advertise or be sponsored by online gambling. You can tell when the creative believes in what their advertising and it goes along with their channel and when it's just out of the blue like what does this have to do with whatever their channel is about.

[@nataliedavies69]

You’re in a tough spot! I bet the temptation is real, thanks for sharing that with us. I appreciate the reminder to not take influencers at face value. The thing is, (as I see it) if you want to retain the very thing that is growing your following, it’s your authenticity and your unique approach to writing and making these podcasts. Let these corporations in and they will inevitably start to steer you in some direction or the other, so please continue to be as scrupulous. (There’s probably a middle ground, but please go carefully).

[@stevec404]

I don't know if I could easily state what goes into my decision making to subscribe or unsubscribe to a given channel/person. But to hold my attention for the long haul, their message and delivery needs to have an innate authenticity about it - sometimes easy to determine, sometimes not. After a while, though, those providing only 'fluff' become obvious to me. Fluff separates itself out, and is then easily discarded. It becomes more difficult to assess those who are good actors, yet still provide some valuable information. This has always been around - only the technical delivery system has changed.

[@JohnNathanShopper]

It’s like real life with ordinary people. You wouldn’t just trust a good person you know with your whole life and life choices. We should have healthy boundaries of influence in physical life and online.

[@tamjg]

My previous therapist, who did something so unethical that I was advised to report her, is starting an online channel. Thank you so much, Dr. Scott.

[@jadeybabes33]

Not many you tubers have your level of integrity or are as genuine as you are - thank you. You are the only channel I 'support' because I literally get 'help' and something out of it. I gave up on all those 'fun' outgoing influencers years ago as the fakeness really annoys me now I am in my 40s.

[@Emily-u5p5x]

I’ve stopped watching most of the “free” webinars . It became overwhelming and usually about money in the end , a lot of money . I get more out of your conversations and appreciate what you do . Good advice !

[@AprilMears-j7q]

Buyer Beware! 😮😊 Loved this!

[@19751222]

That’s true. In old days people upload their videos about pets or trip, but now KZbin is a way to make a career. I really like some really old videos because they were not done so delicately like today’s videos😆Maybe it is just me being nostalgic 😂

[@Yoshoggutha]

I'm gonna go ahead and say, no, they absolutely do not. They're all the same and it's about money and nothing more.

[@debbieporter6581]

Thank you for saying this. I basically trust no one but so many influencers start out as one person.and end up being completely changed once.money is involved.

[@jeankipper6954]

I'm sure you are correct. I've long thought that. Thanks for saying it. Most organizations, and figureheads for them, ONLY want money. Specifically, profits. Even more specifically, profits for themselves. Sigh.

[@sglenn704]

I started following a lady on KZbin that was great with digging for the TRUTH in the real news, not the BS on TV news networks. Then she brought her husband in and he basically took over. Bragger, knows it all, talks about sex, and destroyed her channel. She let him too. She has 2 channels. He has 2 channels. They make several videos everyday. That's they're living! And they live good. Go on vacay and make videos of the entire month long trip that essentially the viewers are paying for. Sorry. But enough is enough!! I'm not supporting someone else, especially ones that obviously don't appreciate you. So you stay on this path Scott. You're trying to help people, not make a living off them. I'm delighted I found you! You have helped me so much already because I can relate to you. You are very transparent. That takes a lot to do on social media. God is with you. I can tell. Thank you for all you do!! ♥️🙏🏻♥️🌹

[@solidus353]

A somewhat easy tell is if the influencer uses certain keywords about the product that you would also see on the company's website or marketing materials. They sold their video to a corporation and are now under contractual obligation to market the product using approved corporate scripting.

[@MarkusJung]

I like your videos and also like your book very much and would probably not have found and bought it without your content. Looking forward to the workbook also. Also I tried out the game Mood Bloom, that you promote in your show notes. For me, I think it may be quite addictive because of the Farmville style main game. The games for depression and anxiety in it are just a small part and you have to pay quite a lot of money to use them in the amount that they may have a therapeutic benefit. So I am interested if you really stand up for this app. Perhaps you will make a video about it in the future?

[@hardasnails11b]

I agree, Scott. BRAVO!

[@pamwatkins4855]

You are soo right, fight,right? It's such an illusion, be true, an honest, and be glad, for the bloom and the must of tracing, draw me, trust? Where to hang, your heart, their not here for, your own trust, in a narrow path, who are they, where does guidance come from, thanks for yours,.!🎉

[@PhilGregoryFX]

Those who build their audience organically using ethical methods win out in the long run. Those who want to pay dodgy companies to artificially inflate subscriber numbers and/or attract tens of thousands of random subscribers will usually come to regret their decision. Tempting as these schemes look on the surface, many come with a sting in the tail. Honesty, integrity and ethics will attract subscribers that are a better fit for your desired target audience. Rather than worry about new subscribers I would focus on not losing the ones you got, as new subscribers will come naturally if your ticking the other boxes, like delivering the right kind of content that your target audience is looking for. Scott appears to be doing well in that respect. Just wondering if he does it all himself or does he have a small support team that help with his social media marketing?

[@candiceg6046]

Great information for informing all among the KZbin community, creators and audience alike.

[@CoronaryArteryDisease.]

Lots of great points. Verify what you are told before you make life decisions!

[@Wolf37152]

Particularly true with political “analysts” channels. Their click bait titles often suggest giving the viewer something they have been dying to hear or dreading to hear. Yet, the content often provides neither. I’ve wondered if subscribing to a KZbin channel is like purchasing shares of stock with no hope of dividends. But like they say, time reveals the sun, the moon and the truth. Greed becomes obvious with those influencers who seek market share over a purer intent.

[@ericar2856]

This is so insightful to hear this and makes total sense. I always look forward to your videos.

[@jeneuweenlaf948]

Preach it, Scott!!!!

[@philippamediwake1235]

Thanks for that info! Fortunately the channels i follow are very authentic but i’m a mature person with a bit of sense & experience on my side. I guess younger viewers could be sucked in by these influencers though, as i would have been a few years ago. Honestly, is nothing authentic anymore!?!? It’s a sad, messed up world in this case!

[@DreExploresAutism]

Yup! Just like “reality TV”, gotta take everything in the realm of entertainment with a huge helping of salt.

[@IniaabduAllah]

Thank you

[@Houdini_Bob]

there are followers/believers of a channel who do not understand that most of the videos are heavily edited, you Dr. Scott are NOT one of them. I like how you say something which comes off odd then you'll say "that didn't make sense" you will leave it in the video instead of editing it out as a majority of tubers would do.

[@kh7794]

I don't pay for ANYONE. In fact most sites that are monetized are not ones I subscribed to. I struggle with keeping subscribed to YOU

[@ladysparkymartin]

I can tell you’re real. I’m not sure if others can. And I understand the allure and income interests. But, like I said, I get the difference. Just hope others do. If you ever succumb, we’d see it, hopefully. I would! Thank you for all your help. Your videos have been a godsend 😊💞

[@ShadeCandle]

Next week Scott joins us from Bali ;)

[@TinaDougherty]

Be careful who you follow 😉

[@jaynemcdowall497]

Yes

[@sweetest247]

Good message Dr Scott!!! Especially for the younger audience or any age I guess that really is influenced easily or buys into any topic thinking that person is God! Easy to do however I have been doing this since the inception of sm & while law enforcement was only one of my careers I saw enough. Yes I'm one of your mature viewers. I do subscribe selectively but I keep my notifications off except you & a few others. I remember reading the book "delete your sm & here is why" I think that was the name around 2014. Good message Thanks 🙏

[@kathleenhowe8134]

I like that arrow wall hanging behind you

[@probablypoetic8759]

I might be wrong, but I'll bet a lot us in of your audience are skeptics and pessimists. 😄 I wonder about that kind of thing all the time. I don't follow any influencer-type channels anyway, so I think I'm safe (I hope). lol Thanks, and have a nice day.😊

[@vicenteriosrios9918]

Regardless of the actual goal the the creators job is to produce content and put it out there. Ours as media consumers is to make choices. I practice Critical Thinking to reframe my viewing choices. This is also valid in real life not just online.

[@DrMattColborn]

So important!

[@Taldaran]

When content becomes product, then the influencer becomes the cartoon character on the cereal box, and repeating the script provided by corporate advertising. Just like cereal, The product becomes cheaper, to help the bottom line and sadly, unhealthier and full of additives designed to addict you to more of the product.

[@oldchannel2015]

Heart Breaking 💔 The almighty dollar...

[@NetflixTopVideos]

Thank you for thinking of us, I have you and 2 other people I feeI can trust.

[@goldismoney5899]

I am really good at distinguishing the fake from the authentic. I don't buy anything from so called "influencers". I can leave a comment and that helps them. I like you, but I haven't bought your book. I am sure it is very good. Good point though.

[@sixtoomanycats9769]

I miss the old days when none of this was an issue.

[@donovangray4246]

It's about the integrity behind the person who is selling you something, it's fine to want more money but if you have to sell out your integrity to do so, then I believe the cost is too high to pay for that money you're going to make. Just MHO

[@TheVelmanator]

Use your gut. If they give you the heebie jeebies it's probably for good reason, give it a hard pass and that's coming from someone trying to be an 'influencer' (for lack of a better word). I'm mad for some of the investments I've made when my gut was telling me it's TERRIBLE idea, just based on appearances - even as recently as this past year. We can be very susceptible to being snookered. Gratefully, I've gotten much wiser on the sliminess of it all, hence the reason I'm here, subscribed to you. You are appreciated.

[@CrystallyLavender]

Dr. Scott, it’s nice of you to bring up this topic, but in all honesty, I thought everyone would have already known the true reality of what’s really going on out there. I mean, isn’t it a given that almost all are just in it for their own benefit? The very, very, very rare few that are actually trying to do good for others, and mankind, are sadly, the rare exceptions. Isn’t that the true reality?

[@m-bronte]

I'm not a fan of most influencers, I feel we all need to find our own emotional and mental foundation to guide ourselves. Influencers are in my opinion selling snake oil, I just can't buy into it.

[@heemanmcspeed]

That sounds scary as hell.

[@aleciawimer8506]

Those who want to increase their own greatness, in any field of work or leisure, want worshippers, as followers.

[@onlysilv]

Everyone needs to eat, but do we all need to FEAST?

[@LoriNuttall]

I don't follow or even really know who they are! Their opinions or what they do don't matter in my life! Who the hell cares?

[@EricCampbellUAV]

you can tell who the bots are by their “i’m not a bot” posts…

[@kathleenhowe8134]

Aren't you an Influencer?

[@blindguy...1275]

Does it work❔

[@troytempest290]

Bwwwaaaaa 🤣

[@multiverse-republic]

this deal with the devil thing is real. before they just used papyrus now email

[@Italiangirlnj747]

It's fake internet fake sm fake

[@KM-wv2og]

Diary of a CEO always pumping put sponsored ads so no longer watch him.

[@GlorybetoGod119]

Cult followers? 😂😂 so this is how these people see us huh?

[@BettyH-p8u]

Money is the key that opens 🚪 doors to people’s dreams,ambitions ,corruption ! Humanity’s survival depends on money 💰 in this day and age ! The homeless people are not living on the street out of choice ! However THEY are faced with the problems of survival FOOD or RENT ! There will be a time (we may have reached that level now ) when money will be be worthless ! Will our civilization crumble? Will we commit GOLBEL SUICIDE ? (War) Which is happening now ! Money breeds GREED BIGOTRY AND SUICIDE! I think we are/have outgrown our planet,not in population ,but ECONOMICALLY! Time to climb down out of the “trees” once again and go see what HUMANITY hasn’t seen before ! Or have we 😮 ? 🙀👵🏻😱👵🏻🖖🏼👽🐲🤖👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼🚪