Influencers Live A Half Life… But None Of Them Will Admit It

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Would you ever or do you put your life on the internet in some way? ❤

[@traceydotts7842]

Absolutely NO!!!

[@francesufkes1092]

No way

[@shellbell8062]

I’ve often thought about this when watching one of my favourite influencers. Her boyfriend often looks so “done” and miserable when they’re on vacation. The poor guy has to be taking pictures of her daily outfits and every meal is vlogged. Once you’re part of that world you have sold your soul. Perhaps some people are better suited to that work but it must feel like a huge demanding burden alot of the time.

[@thatElene]

I started making some fun shorts. In no way shape or form is it about me as a person. You can only see my taste and editing skills. Planning on talking 😅 but never ever about my privat life. Sharing some thoughts is okay but I don't think it's safe to put your private life out there. Also I'll never show my husband or kids ❤

[@MultiKatieBee]

No.

[@AMGürsu]

Living in a vacation destination, I see the reality of this influencer “half life” often! Last week at a hotel pool I watched a woman and her partner photograph themselves for 20 minutes, just for her to be visibly upset and re take the photos..I couldn’t help but think of the post she would make it out be, how aspirational it might be to people, that she and her partner would be “relationship goals”. But seeing the reality, that she was solely focused on portraying an image of her on vacation, rather than actually enjoying the vacation with her partner, was just saddening. I’ve also seen this with girlfriends, two or more women setting up tripods in restaurants or coffee shops and pretending to be working or having fun, then cutting the video and sitting in silence editing, no real friendship or work going on there😂

[@AMGürsu]

I also think this obsession with making every facet of life into content could be a key reason these influencer relationships always seem to fail.. What pressure! And vanity is an UGLY trait. Can’t imagine being with someone so obsessed with self image.

[@sierrasmith8722]

I can’t believe this is our world, it is so heartbreaking. Yes, i too would like the money and the travel but not at the cost of selling my soul

[@renabale1541]

So sad. 😢

[@Maialeen]

The world can't make looks overly important for women and then when we get to this point with technology and social media, be surprised that this happens. We pretend to be shocked by the "vanity". But women are treated as objects and valued for mostly looks. It surprises me exactly zero percent that this mixed with social media results in this insanity.

[@Demi1369]

And this is probably what’s leading to relationships failing anyway. Because these people are not bonding with each other at all. On top of that they are in a shit mood when things don’t go “as planned”. It’s getting harder to find real friends these days too.

[@e.tezani3877]

We need people to get off their phones and go out and have communities again..

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Absolutely 💯

[@FoodieFitFarmhouse]

This!

[@TraceyBergum]

AMEN!!!!

[@thatElene]

Yes 🙏

[@Maria-gg5yv]

As a parent with a Gen Z the fight is well on on tackling this 'addiction'...the power of online influencers is a great deal for tweens and early teens

[@simoneward4217]

I deplore people involving their children as part of their content. Children cannot consent and their privacy is being totally disrespected. These parents are essentially using their children. They can discuss aspects of their family life without exposing their children to a world of strangers and exploiting them for views and money.

[@newenergymagic5271]

You are so right children can’t consent. I would feel so betrayed if my parents put me online for the world to see. Not to mention all the creeps and pervs out there that they are exposing their children to. I wish laws would be passed to help kids and for them to be able to opt in or out of having they’re image used.

[@simoneward4217]

@@newenergymagic5271 I agree. I too wish there were laws in place protecting children. Many examples of how this has gone wrong for the children.

[@newenergymagic5271]

@@extrememinimalistparent You literally have a photo of your child in your avatar and used him in a video intro-welcome to our channel. How is that an oops? He still can’t consent since he is a child even if it is for an informative video. It sounds like you are just trying to justify your actions because you, in your mind, aren’t like other parents who force their children in front of the camera. Would you like to have been online for strangers to see when you were a baby/child?

[@newenergymagic5271]

@@extrememinimalistparent Okay. We are in different schools of thought then. I don’t think children say until age 12 or 13 or even older should have their image be online AT ALL without their consent. We don’t know where tech will be in ten years. You don’t know where images of your son may end up. I hope your son understands and is forgiving of you putting him on public display on social media. I personally would feel very violated and disturbed if my parents did so, but you do you, since you apparently think it is okay and not on the level of family vloggers.

[@esikazemese]

I know! Not even photos of children should be shared, send it in a private chat to your loved ones. But the people who take this to the next level and exploit them deserve a special hell. What a good time for phed...s.

[@melaninmonroe7410]

I wanted to be an influencer years back but I realised its a very performative lifestyle. Your whole life starts to mimic the trends your rship, house, clothes, makeup everything is not yours anymore. It's all about what is in and trendy. I couldn't do it

[@bellefillegisele]

This is why I stopped posting on Instagram…Always having to look for contents took away the joy of just living and enjoying moments in my life. It felt like mental slavery.

[@mrssomeone2143]

Mental slavery. Very true

[@MsPieO]

Yep, same here. I went to a U2 concert at the Las Vegas Sphere on day 2. I took all these videos and realized I was more concerned with filming the right angles vs actually enjoying the concert. I stopped and just watched the show. It was really liberating. I didn’t even post it on social media and felt better about it. I really don’t need to share my entire life with people I don’t even know that well.

[@bellefillegisele]

@@MsPieO That’s how I feel too…no need to share everything with people we don’t know.

[@janehex]

The more you described this, the more it began to feel like one of those horrific dystopian sci-fi novels or movies about people living in a soulless, empty future that's nothing but a sparkly facade, with an absolute nightmare hiding under the surface. Not far from the truth for many of these people!

[@raspberryjamz]

It’s giving Wall-E & Idiocracy combined 🤭

[@seabreeze4559]

feels like the roaring twenties before the crash of 29

[@seabreeze4559]

there were influencers in the game cyberpunk 2077 @@raspberryjamz

[@manifestingbliss777]

I lived with an influencer.. she was always in phone editing these perfect videos.. but she was unhappy.. just existing in real life and living online.

[@MaedBetweenthePages]

I'm a Booktuber and this same phenomenon happens even when you're only monetizing a portion of your life - like a hobby. You no longer just sit down and read because you love to do so, you have to read "aesthetically" so you can get a shot for the next vlog you plan to make. Don't get me wrong, some aspects of that creative process are really fun, but it can very easily become - as you said- overwhelming constantly viewing yourself through the lens of others. Sometimes I just want to read with my messy bun I've worn all day and the sweater my daughter spit up on just before I got her to bed. That reality is hard to be brave enough to show sometimes though.

[@MaedBetweenthePages]

@@extrememinimalistparent hmmm I may have used the wrong words when I said brave enough…its more like those moments are private and I just want to relax, but I feel like I should be monetizing it. Almost that it’s a waste not to. It’s a very odd contradiction that I’m sure a lot of content creators feel!

[@lilianab4756]

Please do show the real stuff😊

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thanks for sharing this insight!

[@MaedBetweenthePages]

@@CaitlinPawlowski Of course! Thank you for making this video :) it's something we need to talk about more I think.

[@zetametallic]

​@liidlianab4756 I'd watch those videos if they were more real but unfortunately you get trolls: "look at her, she hasn't bothered to put make up on" Horrible. It would get to me if people kept commenting "she's a bit chubby" (I am but I don't like it being mentioned ALL the time😂).

[@niononion4363]

Caitlin, you’re killing me with these videos-I want to write a huge essay response to this but I don’t want to bore or offend anyone 😂 by the way, I’m HORRIFIED that influencer would consider using/EXPLOITING a child for more views. I pray that person woke up & smelled the coffee!!!

[@deborahcurtis1385]

In France the child has a right to privacy and is required to be protected.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Ohhhh I would love an essay I am so fascinated by these discussions ❤️ thanks for being here

[@Cherrysmith2809]

I watch way too much KZbin. Lately, I have been much more discerning about what I view. You, Caitlin, are worth my time. The ones who aren’t: 1. A couple of women in England who flog their channels with non-stop product placement and flowery dresses, contrived vacations, and “pampering” regimens. 2. A married couple in Tennessee who film every mundane thing they do, such as going to get coffee, going to the gym, finding items for their house, having a baby, a lot of it filmed in their car. 3. Women who spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year getting and unboxing luxury handbags and shoes. 4. An interior designer whose home looks to be completely devoid of style 5. A fashion influencer who dresses head to toe in logos and whose style consists of tight sweater tops, tight pants and short skirts. I could go on. You get the picture. From now on, less viewing, unless the person has talent, a valuable point of view, and/or makes me laugh or inspires me in a healthy way.

[@jeanetteandrews3319]

On #1. lol I know exactly who you are talking about lol

[@ac8051]

I agree with you but even Caitlin’s content, especially lately, has been based on bashing other content creators, some warranted I’ll give her that. But even Caitlin’s livelihood is hinged on the basis that these influencer keep posting and distorting reality, making her a part of the delusional ecosystem as well. It’s easier to sit outside and critique incessantly.

[@nickj12]

I had to stop following several KZbinrs from England. Those women are my age (30s) and younger and I noticed it was affecting my mental health watching them.

[@SkinnyPigDesigns]

I have my own small business and with all of the algorithm changes on social media, I've learned that I can't rely on it for sales anymore and have been focusing more on offline promotion. I can't imagine being a full time influencer who completely relies on something that fickle to make their livelihood 😱

[@spencergoth1cgutz205]

Yes I also think it’s sad that small businesses are often the very first ones to take a hit from social media shifts when they’re the ones who need the most support actually

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

It’s risky for sure! X

[@danishpastry6137]

I'm thinking small businesses need to be diversifying their market as much as possible and as you say, not relying on social media.

[@NormieNeko]

My husband installs windows. He had a free Google website, and he got maybe 2 calls because of his website, but only 1 client ended up paying him for a job because of it. Almost every job he sold was due to word of mouth. Some came from a local newspaper and other jobs sold because he left business cards everywhere he could. His Google reviews and Facebook are the only online platforms that kind of help.

[@IlonaBrant]

It’s actually true. I’ve been an aspiring influencer and one day I went to Santorini. I was dreaming about visiting that place for 5 years and when I finally came I felt confused. The island looked nothing like the photos on IG and it turns out that there is this one tiny spot on the island where everyone takes their pics. When we went there, I had the biggest existensial crisis of my life. I saw crowds of people in line, waiting to take a picture at some beautiful spots. Half naked girls running around with tripods in their hands happy or sad about the pics. There was this beautiful facade on one side and then you turn around and the other side looks like a dry desert with no life on it. I felt like I fell the victim and was fooled by fake insta reality. On my way back home all I could think of is how fake everything on social media is. This event trigerred me and after several more months I deleted almost all social media accounts and my life became so much better. I am probably a very very rare marketing manager who hates social media 😆

[@janehex]

These people are in for a very rude awakening when they hit middle age and lose "relevance", and have no actual skills to offer. Yikes. I don't give my attention to "influencers" of this type -- they all strike me as boring, shallow, and cringey. My time is worth a lot more.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I bet there would be a lot of marketing agencies that would be willing to hire them and honestly if they set up their business right they would hopefully be putting enough away for retirement or launching a business outside of the business that is their lifestyle

[@janehex]

@@CaitlinPawlowski or maybe they can pivot? There are a lot of middle aged and even senior citizen (!!) KZbinrs, but they all succeed by having something interesting to offer and having real charisma.

[@simoneward4217]

100%, they do not influence me with their fake, carefully curated lives. They appear so vain and self centred, all you have to do is look at the way they stare adoringly at themselves through their phones. Reminds me of Narcissus falling in love with his own reflection. This is the sad state of society that we find ourselves in. I admire and value people who actually do things to help the greater good of society, not these 'influencers' who mostly behave like self entitled brats who think they're above everyone else. A deluded sense of self importance. Most I think are gross. Offer nothing in the way of helping society in any way other than boosting their own egos and income.

[@seabreeze4559]

hope they're saving

[@magda2193]

@@simoneward4217 i think that most of them are posting what get likes = money, it's not about being narcissistic but about posting what make them make money quicker if that makes sense.

[@julieg4359]

Thank you, Caitlin. How sad that people want to live their life like this. They really aren't experiencing real life. Plus people watching the videos aren't experiencing real life. I think people need to go outside, touch some real grass, and walk away from all of this.

[@jeanneobbard]

I agree, it's like we are *all* existing in an unreal space.

[@elinalall3475]

I agree with you. I don't follow lifestyle influencers because it reminds me of reality tv which I don't watch because I feel these videos/feel orchestrated in my opinion. I watch specific content on KZbin and even that I take with a grain of salt. Very thought provoking topic. I couldn't believe that another KZbinr thought about having a child to gain more views/popularity which only shows in my opinion that an individual's values/priorities may change as part of their half life. Have a great weekend and enjoy the beach! ❤

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I am the same I don’t watch much reality tv shows (the odd house or cooking show 🤭) Have a beautiful weekend ❤️

[@elinalall3475]

@@CaitlinPawlowski I love cooking/baking shows too and thanks ❤

[@tippytoe1250]

Oh, you have a point. I don’t like reality tv so I’ve never been able to watch influencers much. They get on my nerves after the 2-3 video.

[@angelaburress8586]

All tv is scripted 🤪🤪👀👀💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@StubbyLegz]

@@angelaburress8586not true, I love wildlife and sea life videos! 😛 well, then again, there’s a script involved if it’s narrated 🤔

[@Londonererer]

I think there needs to be laws protecting kids from being used by their parents for 'influencer' income and views. Its probably on par with being a child actor. I see law suits in the future.....

[@lookforward2life]

I think France just passed a law recently and Germany has image rights laws as well. I’m sure there are more and it will spread.

[@angelaburress8586]

What’s the difference between influencers and Hollywood children ???? The only difference is those that are born into Hollywood are written into the contract from the start and the one that come through Hollywood through scouts/agencies it’s really no difference in any situation the parents are over the money anyways so I don’t see what the fuss is about 👀🤷🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️!!!

[@raspberryjamz]

the difference is child actors are showing their acting skills and playing parts. Influencer kids are having their entire childhood on view for anyone, including bath time/potty training, tantrums and being punished, all your most intimate and embarrassing moments of your actual life on view. Just look at what happened with the 8 Passengers family, that’s what the reality is. Child actors at least have some kind of protection of their personal lives.

[@seabreeze4559]

it's pimping out their kids

[@SandraBaker]

I agree with everything you said a 100%. I make videos in Spanish and it has always been a hobby, I have a full time job outside of KZbin and I didn’t care if KZbin wasn’t paying me much. However, it’s always nice to receive comments and see that a video has had more views than usual. I had the “chance” to have 2-3 videos that became quite popular; and there that’s when I started being scared.. the hateful comments were coming in daily. Some people comment on your appearance, some of them haven’t even watched the video and they insult you 😅 some of them attack you because they haven’t understood the meaning of your video… and it becomes hurtful and tiring. You become obsessed with your appearance, you hide every single non aesthetic thing from your videos and you strive for perfection because people are scary 😂 I used to think the influencer life was so easy, but I’ve changed my mind completely. Thank you for the video ❤

[@tamiadixon8312]

And this is exactly why i couldn’t do it, you gotta have real thick skin! A person can only take so much.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Can totally relate! It’s tough!

[@Franniiv3]

It's the 'family channels' that are disturbing. The notion of Consent applies, Children don't understand the enormity of what their parents are exposing them to. I don't believe personal family moments are monetizable events. I remember seeing a clip used in a video essay, of a child being upset and the Mother following her child to their room whilst filming; and asking them what was the matter. Imagine a parent doing that to you.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

That’s horrendous!

[@ezrico_jr]

I just checked up on a KZbin couple that i used to follow around 2020 and 2021, and a few months of 2022. I unsubscribed from them after they became pregnant and all of their content became centred around their pregnancy. A week ago, i checked up on their channel, and found that they posted saying they have another baby on the way. As I was watching your video, i remembered them, and went to check on their channel again, and what do you know, there are 2 more videos that they uploaded in the past week centering around their pregnancy. So basically in the last 10 days, they have put out 3 videos centering around the new pregnancy, and this is not including the 4th video in which the girl was already showing, and people started asking if she was pregnant again.

[@dde716]

In the very beginning when you said " you want to keep your personal life" makes so much sense aense to me. I cannot stand those youtubers that make money showing their children everything! I got rid of IG/FB prior become a mom and today I preserve even more my privacy, and of course, my child's privacy.

[@Carina518]

I have a love/hate relationship with the internet. It’s good for a dopamine hit and learning new things, but there’s moments when I can’t stand everything and everyone on the internet because everything is a lie and everyone is a liar on here. It’s so soulless and it disgusts me. It makes me wish it never existed.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

I grew up with parents in church leadership, and I didn’t have any language to understand that experience until I watched the D’Amelio show. When they were talking about how being influencers and fame affected them it was the first time I ever felt understood about certain things. Like always being watched, the constant criticism, no one talking to you like an actual person, invasions of privacy, people trying to hurt you just so they can watch you snap, and then blame you for it if you do like it wasn’t their intention all along, being put on a pedestal against your will and people being mad when you fall to the same ground they’re on. You’re not allowed to be human. Even the way people who are supposed to help you deal with it all don’t, and instead treat you the same way. For them it was a therapist, for me it was “mentors”, but seeing that show was the first time I’d ever seen my experiences mirrored. There’s things they experience that I don’t or not on the same level. And there’s things about the religious aspect where it’s the other way. But the similarities scare me because I know how much it messed me up. Also I knew from a young age that my parents having me benefited their reputation, even if they hadn’t prioritised their reputation over my wellbeing so much I think I’d still have wondered if that’s why they had me. Because even if my parents had done better other people would still have seen me through that lens and when the way other people see you inherently controls so much of your life, it controls your mind too. I imagine the kids of influencers wonder the same thing about whether they’re actually wanted as people, even by their own parents

[@bleuumscarlett7977]

I used to watch people sharing more their life than actually saying *something*... then one day i thought to myself "these are strangers, this is no different than getting in my neighbours' window and watching them go about their life..." it weirded me out and i stopped 😂

[@TraceyBergum]

Influencers are prostituting themselves period it's sad and pathetic to see what is happening to this world all because of "social media" and the rise of the internet and phone apps. I really am having my eyes opened daily to what the evil is going on and I really wish we could go back to the 80s and 90s when things seemed real. I really am happy to see the turn in your channel content, I came for the handbags cuz yes, I am a handbag lover but have stayed with you because of your personal growth and awaking : )

[@seabreeze4559]

like the girlfriend experience and patreon is the BFF experience, it's all about emotional labour

[@magda2193]

aren't you prostituting yourself for your job though? :)) it's business as usual but actually can get you more than being stuck in 9-5, not everyone is enjoying being a slave to a corpo and prefer the more flexible way of being a content creator

[@nickj12]

@@magda2193the most successful (millionaire) content creators/influencers are slave to a lifestyle, trends, and views, and they have less freedom than the average 9-5 worker. 😂 This video covers this at 13:11-13:40. This is especially true for the ones that are not as successful; they spend all their time trying to appease the algorithm gods. They have no freedom. That is the opposite of flexibility.

[@EdaMarie228]

Wow! I have recently started unfollowing some of the influencers I have been watching since I feel like they just keep pushing products down our throats with every single video they post just to make that almighty dollar. Especially when you never see them with those said products in any of their other videos… aka “half life”. I too have thought of starting a KZbin channel, however, have decided against it for the VERY SAME reasons you have mentioned. I’m not interested in trying to blow up my life just to make content and be “relevant”.

[@emptylikebox]

tbh, i am disgusted with those influencers who uses their personal problems for content. for the sake of what? views? recently, i've become so less concerned about taking pictures when on vacation. not having a lot of pictures doesn't mean it makes it less real.

[@anyone1111]

I really like this mindset ~

[@thatElene]

The worst part is that they might make it all up 😂 in sake of getting more money

[@Alexandra-ew3ep]

The fact that it’s now normalize to share every intimacy details of a break up/divorce is beyond scary. The human side of things do not longer exist and we’re gonna eventually hit a wall

[@n.m6015]

Money

[@rwilliams9304]

Pictures can be taken for memories and photo albums too

[@meiltoo]

Influencers who share their lives to make a living, it prob seems fun initially but it must be really hard on them eventually. Then you are stuck in it, unless you are able to change the direction of your channel successfuly.

[@donnamoore9898]

I’ve seen influencers in tears because youTube has somehow changed the algorithms on them and now their views have suddenly declined. I have no idea if it is true or not, but I know people are fickle and often tire of influencers they might have liked a month or two ago. More power to them if they can monetise their life for a while, but I reckon it’s a slippery slope to base a career on. Sure, being early to a topic or trend can be lucrative for a while, but being lucrative will bring many more to that space quickly until it becomes tired. In the end skill matters towards a good and purposeful life. As for putting my life on the internet? No way in hell!! I’m an introverted observer and I’m ok with that.

[@missb1097]

We need people off the phones indeed! Last night date night with my bf … sitting at our table pple watching n chanting usual and I looked around … two large parties all female (celebrating something) nice in theory right? But 8 out of 10 were staring at their phones at the table not talking to each other and it was bizarre and same for the other large party and even couples or pple alone. It is so weird to go out but then not actually socialize… I wish things could be simple again in many ways … and not everyone chasing this fake life … it’s ok to want and have things but they should be enjoyed not just on media! Anyway love the vidoe Caitlin ❤

[@geniej2378]

I have some friends who plan their holidays around photos to put on social media. I find it sad because we don’t make money from it, it’s seeped into our subconscious that our social media should be as exciting as people who do it for a living!

[@Greatdanewrangler]

It's one thing for an "influencer" to film and monitize every aspect of their life vs film and monetize every aspect of their child's life. I find that repulsive, honestly.

[@CS-ly3lx]

The odd thing is, what kind of people do we all like the least? The people who constantly and only talk about themselves.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😂 such a good point!

[@teddythetinyterrier]

Thanks for doing this video. Most of the influencers I see not only live a half life but a fake life. The main takeaways from this video are that if you are emotionally and mentally and financially insecure maybe you shouldn’t be an influencer.

[@jessicalise4083]

Hi Caitlin :D I just found your channel and wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your content! I have struggled with impulsive shopping for the majority of my adult life but I definitely feel like things got worse when the influencer world started! I currently only watch KZbin (no social media) and try to stay away from the influencers/mommy vloggers/etc. I’m glad that more and more, people like you are addressing these topics because they are so very important ❤

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much for being here ❤️

[@WriteMeASong7]

This and many many other reasons is why I deleted all social media except YT. My life improved immediately.

[@allenmontrasio8962]

I guess many influencers don't appreciate that being successful at anything takes a lot of effort. No-one just *gives* money away.

[@drlessismore]

I love the direction your Chanel has gone ❤ Hope you are not getting any negativity from other influencers 🤞🏼 Keep fighting the good fight. Content like this is so necessary 🙏🏼

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thank you so much!! I hope I’m not haha honestly I’m trying not to find out I just want to stay in my lane and not get sucked into any drama ❤️

[@LowBuyLuxLife]

I enjoy your videos so much because it’s like chatting with a friend. However, I respect and admire the boundaries you keep and it’s modeling that kind of behavior for me whenever I get bogged down. Thanks for this chat! 😊

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much for being here ❤️

[@alicialow7224]

I love the direction Caitlin is taking with this channel. ❤

[@Peajay007]

I was monitised Boxing Day and my thought process changed completely. I’m lucky. I’m a POV influencer. But I’m constantly seeing moments as influencer moment. My perspective on the world is becoming ‘oh I need to shoot this! This suits my brand’ it’s not a hat people think. I hear people talk about influencers and I’m like that’s not even close to what it’s like or what I’m doing

[@megan.bichotte]

Never been around an influencer but I have a friend that HAS to take a picture for every moment!!! I don't mind taking pics but I dread going out with her because I would take soo many pics of her just for her to nitpick it and ask for redos through our hangout. It frustrates me to the core, it boils my blood even more that she can't even take a decent picture of me.

[@blueskye1827]

A tourist guide I met a few years back in North Queensland, can't stand influencers. He stated they are a bunch of miserable people constantly stuck on their phones and never really appreciating where they are at that moment, like you said its all about the shot or the video. Its truly really quite sad!!

[@JuliaShalomJordan]

Oh my gosh. As an introvert, just watching this gave me such anxiety.🤯 I have a YT channel but it’s super niche and not too into my daily life. My friends complain it’s not their thing and I need to branch out more but I don’t want to or feel led to. I think your commentary just solidified my choice.😅

[@janethughes9541]

I absolutely agree with you one particularly influencer went to the Maldives and she must have mentioned the name of the hotel where they were staying hundreds of times how fabulous this and that was and a different bikini everyday naming them and the restaurants blah blah and so it went on, it makes me feel sick how shallow this is, do they not realise if you did this or less years ago it was about showing off,bragging how fabulous are we,she says god morning and she says I look such a mess and she is perfectly groomed , do these people not realise how pathetic they are and used as a commodity and they go shopping in Harrods in London and while there they will go to their nail technician and then out for lunch not even getting the train a taxi from where they live, I sometimes think she thinks she is part of the royal family and her clothes she just wears around the house supposedly are the same brand and she’s now going to bake a cake in this so called pretty dress, it’s so hollow and I just don’t believe it and don’t watch it any more it’s sickening. What a way to live,even down to designer dogs. Ugh it makes me want to throw up because they think we are so stupid to believe them. Ugh over it, give me some natural run of the mill everyday life real life and then I can relate and I’m not being taken for a fool.

[@Maria-gg5yv]

Yep agreed.....my daughter compares me to influencer and if I could only show her the reality of what an influencers life is really like...but yes someone needs to do the household tasks not all of us have cleaners...personal shoppers...PAs etc

[@seabreeze4559]

I know the ones you mean. I also can't stand it. They used to be somewhat real but now it's all plastic fantastic.

[@kham6006]

What sickens me is how the scammers are still thriving -the j hills, ace family , Trisha p, so many more yet people are brainwashed -Also the flaunting -it’s old

[@kaylar5178]

I also see that a lot of them like to follow trends so I feel they become less interesting because they basically turn into a clone of every other trendy influencer and loose their sense of sense and originality. I’ve seen so many vacations videos we’re it’s basically the same thing just with different camera perspectives.

[@theeconcretecatwalk]

Caitlin your topics are ALWAYS on point 💯!! I agree, influencers paint a full picture of perfection life that doesn’t exist. Competition is what takes it to next level of stressful, in creating “a glamorous reality” based on 12 minutes of film, meanwhile behind the scenes is a different reality all together.

[@saraabrams804]

Really loving this content. I appreciate the super real view of this topic. Keep it up! You’re awesome!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou ❤️

[@divy-]

Caitlyn, you need all the applause and standing ovation for the kind of content you're creating ❤ You have most certainly pivoted yourself and your content in the best best direction. Gof bless bless bless you with immense happiness, growth, peace, love and everything that's best for you and your heart ❤

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Awww you are the sweetest ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@divy-]

@@CaitlinPawlowski You're a kind of person anyone would want to be sweet with.😘😘

[@rawfeederlife]

I'm in the pet space, and I'm happy with my small (as compared to influencers) audience because it's still fun for me. I also have a FT job. In the pet space, you deal with "experts" who judge everything in the worst way. What you feed, the products you use, your dog's weight, and more. I'm at an IDGAF age, but there was a time when this used to get to Mr. I can't imagine trying to do this FT.

[@heartmumblr]

You hit the nail on the head, gurl!!!! 🔨Bravo for articulating the difference between real life and faux-life! Very refreshing conversation 😘

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for watching!🥰

[@SaharaKnows]

Influencers seem like the unhappiest people. I really don’t see anything to envy. It’s so clearly for show with no depth or originality. It’s quite boring. It’s impossible for their life perspective to not get warped when it’s constantly being filmed. Unleash with kish just did an amazing video on this.

[@MECC17384]

Agreed- also very unoriginal when everyone feels the need to do the newest “trending” post or post with the same background “aesthetic.” You could truly swap one for another and no one would notice, with the exception of those who create niche audiences (but those people don’t really fit in with what I said above typically)

[@fautpaspoussermamie]

Personally i only watch influencers who i will learn something from, whether it's fashion reviews or travel tips. I don't care about influencers who just journal their life. I don't care about their weddings, pregnancies. I don't know them. And honestly i don't understand people who follow these kind of "influencers". Also, there seem to be a confusion, in the medias, between insta models and influencers. Not the same IMO. Finally, there has always been people who get married or get a baby just to have something to talk about. Social media did not change anything.

[@francesufkes1092]

I just discovered your channel. You have a unique perspective. Intelligent and thoughtful analysis of the phenomenon of lifestyle influencers. I think it would be a demanding and lonely life. Great video

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for being here 😊

[@JS-nh7vm]

Thank you for providing us consistent quality videos ✨

[@Cassia_kamm]

14:04 as a fellow wild animal- i absolutely understand. Lol. My husband was low key shocked when he saw how fast i ate.

[@flonotflow]

As a long time blogger, I always made it a point to draw a line between my personal life and my blogging life. There might be some minor things that trickled in--as in a vacation that I shared photos from--but I have kept my family completely out of it. Friends have done the same, even going so far as making up nicknames for the few people mentioned. I am a bit tired of some of the oversharing I've seen on the internet, plus what happened to just living in the moment?

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Can totally relate to what you’re saying ❤️

[@mheuman]

I agree with you, it must be so hard To be off camera when your paycheck is tied to it. ❤

[@MissFussbudget]

I think it's just a terrible idea for an influencer to consider having children to increase viewership.5:42 Not only is it the worst reason to have children, it's also exploitative to the child who has no say on what parts of his or her life will be allowed on social media. Imo, family vlogs are a bad idea in general, and I wish social media sites had more restrictions on them. I'm new to this channel and I'm really enjoying your content!

[@EmL-kg5gn]

Exactly, it’s abuse plain and simple. I understand why they feel that way given the pressure they’re under, but it would be wrong to do. I totally agree about family vlogs, they should be banned

[@MissFussbudget]

@@extrememinimalistparent If it's for views, then the children will be shown on a regular basis in these vlogs. If it's a phase of life, then the influencer might mention the pregnancy and birth of her children, but also ensure their privacy and anonymity. The most extreme example of a terrible family vlog is "Eight Passengers" (now defunct). In it, a Mormon mother, Ruby Franke, is shown humiliating her children and meting out harsh punishments. (Franke was recently charged with child abuse and endangerment.)

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Welcome! Thanks for being here ❤️

[@CarlaSampaio88]

You know what Caitlin you are a high level profile with high level of speech and intelligence level… I love to be able to come on KZbin while I workout and hear people like you, you are very wise and the topics you’ve mentioned are real! ❤😊

[@philjones9356]

I love getting a coffee and sitting down to listen to you, thanks.

[@allanarocque839]

"The food is COLD!!!" 🤣🤣🤣Oh my goodness I can imagine. To track my eating, I began trying to get a perfect pictures of my food, after a few minutes I got annoyed and just started eating. Spoiler alert, I never actually got one of those asthetically pleasing picture of my food, am like how do they do it🤣🤣. I was so happy to see you made this video. Lately I've been looking at more lifestyle vlogs, cause am so curious and nosey about how someone else lives their life, but am always annoyed when one of them apologies for being away from KZbin for a while. Especially if I actually like their personality, when they disappear for a while, am like "oh good, she's off living an actual life." When they come back am like, what the heck are you apologising about? It's interesting though, because of some of your videos, I have come to realize that these "influencers" are what I would have regarded a celebrity to be back in the 90's, they entertain me, they meet unreal beauty standards etc. ... they acted infront of a camera and to some degree, I knew it was all fake and unattainable... I guess the difference with these "lifestyle" vlogs, they kinda look like everyday life and everyday people (in some instances). It's sad to know how it affects their actual life and sometimes I wonder if any of them genuinely love what they are doing🤔 Your videos snaps me back into reality a lot, thanks for making them. Would like to see a similar video on the mental health aspect of it too if you ever get a chance.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much for your comment and suggestions ❤️

[@abigaelrarts2257]

I know that I could never be an influencer mostly due to the comments that people so effortlessly write that just tear you apart for no reason, and in huge part that you are essentially living for other people and not for your own happiness. You've nailed it with calling it a half life, because you stop living for your own enjoyment and you start living every day of your life for other people who don't even know or really care about you that much. also I am too private of a person, I feel the details of my life should be privileged information to those around me and those who ask me about it because they care. People are so judgemental and I'm not comfortable with putting my life out there to be hacked to pieces especially when I think it's a great life. I think it's getting older and not caring about what people think of me as well, because if you don't know me why would I care what you think. so impt to make decisions for ur own well being and not feel like you have to justify it to people who largely have no empathy or appreciation of the nuance of your decisions ❤

[@magda2193]

its like with every other job? A lot of people are stuck in jobs that don't bring them happiness not just influencers. With good money there comes also stress and other negative factors as you are really getting what you paid for. Noone is telling nobody to follow influencers as well

[@abigaelrarts2257]

@@magda2193 i was stating reasons why i personally could never do it. some ppl are okay with sacrificing their privacy, not living in the moment bc u have to film everything, and okay with getting cyber bullied constantly...whereas i am not. just too invasive for me :)

[@magda2193]

@@abigaelrarts2257 you can get bullied and mistreated anywhere, including jobs. Not to mention being forced to develop relationships with people at the workplace. So you kinda sell yourself as well because you need to compromise your values/standards/boundaries to some point at any workplace. Because of this, from what I know, many people would rather have their own thing rather than work for someone. Regarding privacy, everyone is judging by themselves how much they are comfortable to reveal. I believe they can manage their time, when it's time for work and when not. This comes down to e.g. splitting work holidays from private holidays. It's true that probably the line between life and work is getting more blurry, but it's only down to the ability to manage it so it's improved. Every job has its disadvantages and I believe when you are free to manage your own job you already win because you can set boundaries by yourself. When you work for someone you are always dependent on their will.

[@hettijayne]

I’m so glad your making more of this content and make it real. I’ve felt so down recently the past few months because I’ve been so influenced by this hustle culture I’m ngl I wanted to try and hustle and make a life through content but it’s so exhausting.

[@junebug9224]

Wow… another really deep convo from you. I’m loving these. I want to say I follow about 6 YTers consistently. With you being one of them of course! Two are luxe, and two are lifestyle. I follow a couple for clothing ideas too as I’m kinda tall not super tall tho and mod-size (as cute as you are i can’t raid your closet but i love love love your style but we have body types and I’ve learned to embrace that.) Another is a dog 😂 But I’ve pulled away from the hella luxe haulers and community. One I don’t have their $$$ and two it’s just not as fun anymore. But I’m seeing a shift from the YTs I watch consistently too. Especially post pandemic. And even though I list after that Chanel classic flap I just can’t with that pricing. Hello Marc Jacobs and others. Quality and careful spending is what matter. Love you. 💖 June

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Much love to you June! ❤️

[@christine9122]

I don't mind influencers. i just don't like it when they inconvenience people around them for a post. Yes, you are the main character of your own story and life. but not for other people. some people just want to have their breakfast without being taken video of.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Ahh yes like that IG page influencers in the wild you see some crazy stuff on there

[@dstrct3742]

yeah.. move on and do something else (if you are a influencer). i am a tattoo artist and gotten to know a bunge of influencers over the past years. tbh most of them arent that interesting and i never got why they had so many followers in the first place. but maybe this lifestyle content or get ready with me bull*hit just never spoke to me. whatever - i always looked at it like something comparable to a career in sports/athletics. you‘ll have to ‚work’ really hard and if your lucky you might have a couple successful years. people can say and enjoy what they want. in the end i find that way of living - turning everything into content, always looking for ‚opportunities‘ so pathetic. thinking about getting pregnant to boost the engagement… it just speaks volumes about how much they never had anything to say in the first place.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

That’s a really interesting take I never considered it similar to how an athlete may work hard and get their shot if only for a few good years Thanks for sharing your insight as a tattoo artist 😊

[@angelaburress8586]

Sounds like a hater to me🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️💁🏽‍♀️

[@IvetParris]

OMG the food subject lol I have seen a girl coming to NYC trendy restaurant ordering cheeseburger just to take a picture with it and leave, her boyfriend ate one of her fries and she didn't look happy. I hate to see people wasting food.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

😯

[@sob.prince]

I just found your channel a few days ago and I’m totally obsessed I absolutely love your personality and spot on takes I completely agree with, great content grade A content 🙏💙

[@sams3015]

I can’t wait to watch this. I can’t now but this defo saved on to “watch later”. I love your discussions on these topics

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much! Hope you’re doing good 😊

[@sams3015]

@@CaitlinPawlowskiI’m watching now, it’s already so interesting

[@SirLuisBarrera]

people need to understand that creating content on social media is a hobby, not a proper job. That would put things into perspective for many.

[@yo-31]

Really good topic. I am not sure if what they share is always authentic, probably not and real.... they might dramatize or exaggerate events to make money.

[@susanjeffries5108]

There are a few lifestyle loggers I like to watch, but I've really been whittling that down. Lately there's only one person I've actually been watching regularly. She posts a short video vlog everyday and then a longer form more professional video every week. Her everyday vlogs are my favorite because she is just doing mundane stuff and not trying to impress us at all. She'll be with no makeup on her, showing us a new cat toy for her cat and how much he likes it or gardening journey and the lack of effort to make everything aesthetic is honestly like a palate cleanse. It feels a lot more like a friend telling you about their day than someone who's trying to look aspirational for all of us humble viewers. For me, when a lifestyle influencer starts to try to make everything wildly aesthetic and you start to realize how many shots they set up just so that you can watch them sitting contemplatively looking out at the beach or lake or whatever, it starts to feel really weird and less enjoyable. Mostly I've been enjoying commentary channels lately as well as some of the classic style videos like makeup or skincare reviews. I really like upbeat, non-snotty people to watch! There are some influences out there that are hysterical and truly fun to watch or listen to. I can't be bothered to watch the ones trying to sell me a million products that will be a "game changer" in my life. Those videos make me kind of sad and irritated at the same time.

[@Nicegirl_Nursing]

You're entirely right, Caitlin. I post here and there on the Tok, but I'm not doing much on yt because I feel it demands more time, consistency, and effort than I'm currently willing to give.

[@meiltoo]

Oh right and i remember a beauty influencer who later become a vlogger of her family life, monetising the euthanasia of her dog i think… posted ‘loving’ pictures of them hugging the dog their are about to put to sleep. People are saying the dog can be rehomed and that they are treating the dog incorrectly hence the dog was aggressive once?? Thats so horrible. The desperation to make content can make one lose their senses.

[@수영-e6x]

I study marketing and I can confirm this is true. These influener's life depends on sponsorship, brand deals, and their audiences. One of things marketerslook at to determine if an influencer is going to be chosen or not is their audience chatacteristics, not really an influencer themselves. They try to make a living by being relatable, relevant, and authentic with their audiences.

[@MECC17384]

6:36 that’s WILD. I’d just look towards a different career path at that point. I may be biased though, because while how people choose to parent is not up to me, I think it’s inappropriate when influencer put their children on social media. I’d never want my entire live viewable online

[@miriams.4341]

I follow no lifestyle influencers. I really enjoy people going in depth on topics they are experts on or have researched, but…I don’t really care about the private life of these people. I actually find it a bit weird to get obsessed with someone’s private life. The few times I watched vlogs, I felt like an interloper in a moment that was not meant for me. I don’t know these people and they don’t know me. I’m still figuring out what craving is being fulfilled by getting so intimately involved in the world of a stranger.

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

Very wise video indeed! Thank you for sharing your interesting thoughts!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Glad you enjoyed it! X

[@virginiaviola5097]

I’d rather live my life and be content with what I’ve got in private than to go chasing an unobtainable dream and trying to make others believe it’s being achieved. It seems that there’s something empty inside of these people, which they trying to fill with likes and flexes. Nothing in the material world will ever fill that hole, they will always need more, but just feel emptier and emptier.

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

Phenomenal video. You’re so on point with all of this!

[@erinnmackie3507]

There's so much to talk about though. We need more "influencers" to talk about better spending habits, ways to be environmentally friendly even when you feel like you're poor, why temu is shadier than shein (they don't pay tariffs), the benefits for your brain of getting out in nature. I want to start a youtube channel about these topics but i intend to find another job so i can do it for fun and to hopefully influence people to be kinder to our planet. I also got rid of the china part because I'm currently lusting after (have been for years) a dress by selkie, which is a Chinese company and I've bought from them before. Felt like it would be hypocritical of me. Maybe I can manifest it on Poshmark.

[@MadhuraSanas]

When you are true to yourself your face glows.. Go girl.. You look very calm and sorted now!

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

I see a big difference between “influencer” and “content creator”. I see content creators in the same category as an actor or musician where they’re not broadcasting their life. They’re focused on a specific niche, like educational content, commentary, travelogues, and fictional skits (ex: Chelsie Lynn as Trailer Trash Tammy). Influencers are broadcasting their personal life as the “lifestyle standard”. The attention span of an average social media viewer is lower than a goldfish, which is why many influencers become flashes in the pan. Certain content trends become dated as quickly as it became popular. Also, a number of viewers are becoming jaded with all the skits that are portrayed as real situations, so the viewers get annoyed. Content creators, on the other hand, have a solid fan base, and their shelf life is much longer.

[@TheLegalCode]

They feel empty because ultimately humanity is supposed to be in service of humanity, not our ego. I’m happy to have a small channel that discusses legal topics and policy. It’s so fulfilling because it’s not about me, it’s about things affecting people. I have no interest in putting out my personal life, that doesn’t help anyone.

[@mansoor3159]

Caitlin you are one of my most beautiful youtuber in the world and your videos are so so so best for me and your videos are always so so helpful to me and I wish you have a best best weekend💫💓🤗💖

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou so much 🥰 have a great weekend!

[@MuseSunflower]

Seems like a lot of pressure for sure. I can imagine how easy those lines get blurred of not knowing if you are doing something because you genuinely like it or making all your life decisions because of what will go viral

[@federicasimona2327]

Love the video, we need more content like this to really understand that it's all just a lie. No life is this perfect as they want us to believe, and it has a huge impact on people mental health.

[@hrosexo]

I don’t find anyone this interesting to watch a ‘lifestyle’ influencer

[@calmwithtay]

Though I understand some of what you’re saying, nothing is black or white. Like you said in the video, you don’t want it, but it works for some people. Everyone’s journey as an influencer is different based on their lifestyle habits and just their life outside of social media in general. Some people make it their whole life, and everything in their real life falls apart. Some people have great lifestyle habits and just share what they want, and it serves as inspiration, hope, and learning for others. When I was younger, I have looked up to certain people as a sister for certain things in times where I needed it, and it’s gotten me through some dark times. I also watch influencers who are positive and kind people. Honestly a lot of what has been created on social media is unhealthy, but it’s not all bad.

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Very good points Thanks for sharing them 😊

[@savannar3632]

I don’t think it’s fair, but I would not expect any level of privacy if I put myself out there as a celebrity or an influencer. I’ve had multiple stalkers (that I know of) just as a normal, pretty private person so putting myself out there and losing any semblance of privacy would be my nightmare

[@LisaChenNg]

Babies are money makers on social media and it's so exploitative. Kids lose their right to privacy and can't give informed consent to their lives being online.

[@mariapaula3376]

Fascinating video. Introspective, intelligent, authentic. Love it. Subscribed :)

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

Thankyou for being here ❤️

[@ceciliarotundo]

Poor Evelina, she hasn’t been posting anything lately, I think she’s freeing herself from the things she denounced 5 years ago…

[@leastidyworld4365]

We have the same tartan blanket with these lovely autumnal colours.

[@CarlaSampaio88]

Loved this video and content ❤ ❤and also you pass so much calm and you speck so smoothly slow that it’s enjoyable and appreciated ✨🍀🥰😘

[@valentinelr4649]

As a business owner, it may sound harsh, but theses influenceurs need to learn to own their business professionally. Being obsessed with your brand is a common struggle. It's crucial to create a balance between work and personal life. Influencers could benefit from planning some of their posts in advance, taking a break from creating content. They could have a "content vacation" and then a separate "real vacation." It all comes down to better time management skills.

[@nadiaortega2951]

I can’t believe they got divorced. I was subscribed to her for so long and loved her videos. I hope nothing but the best for her. Honestly didn’t expect this video to break the news to me 🙃

[@CaitlinPawlowski]

I actually didn’t even know who she was but her footage was used because when I typed in those moments like marriage, having a baby and divorce hers was one of the first with the others showed x

[@danishpastry6137]

This makes me think of concerts where people are filming loads of it on their phones - if I go to a concert, I want to see it irl, not through the lens of my phone. I'm thinking vlogging influencers are a bit like this. Apart from anything else it's teaching our young people that everything has to be perfect. And as you say, there's the hate culture surrounding it all as well. I've got to the point on IG, that if someone makes a horrible comment about whoever is posting (or the subject they're posting about), I'll block them, life is too short to get frustrated about nasty, small minded people!