and Facebook, with us lacking confidence and
self-doubting if these figures are low. What’s
particularly concerning, however, is that research
shows that the “buzz” of receiving likes on
an Instagram post releases similar levels of
endorphins as taking Class A drugs, creating
an addictive experience that ties users into
these networks. It’s true that app developers
use psychological tricks that continuously
grab your attention, and because “likes” are
unpredictable, consumers are chasing more
attention to fuel their cravings, encouraging
some influencers to push themselves too far.
YouTuber Logan Paul, for example, uploaded
a video of him and his friends exploring the
Aokigahara Forest of Japan in 2018, sometimes
called the “suicide forest,” where he found the
body of a young man who appeared to have
recently hanged himself - and laughed. The
controversy caused shockwaves, with many
calling for platforms to be better policed, whilst
raising questions over the lengths influencers
will go to for attention online. Earlier in the
year, one influencer staged her engagement,
telling brands in advance so she could sign
contracts to promote their products, whilst
another was accused of faking her own
motorcycle accident with a strategically-
placed bottle of Smart Water.
Alone, these scenarios are easy to write off or
dismiss - indeed, the entertainment industry
has always been full of controversy and fakery -
but there’s a fine line between a TV star putting
on weight to release a fitness DVD, and an
influencer faking an incident for views. Where
things become particularly dangerous is in
regards to mental health. Both depression and
Image: Samantha Tran