Examining the Potential Adverse Effects of Social Media Influencers on Mental Health

Social media influencers are a marketing tactic that has become very relevant in present-day marketing within the past decade. The way that social media influencers succeed is by utilizing strategies that capitalize on both marketing and social media perspectives. Based on research findings, it was found that advertising and social media separately negatively affect mental well-being and perceptions of body image. Since social media influencers have a role within both spheres, the question on if they have the same effects on mental health has become a topic of discussion.
This interview-style podcast highlights the history of marketing and advertising, social media and its effects on users, and social media influencers and their roles in consumers’ lives. Furthermore, expert opinions from faculty at Arizona State University will help answer the question: do influencers have an adverse effect on mental health?
Professor Naomi Mandel, a consumer behavior professor at the W. P. Carey School of Business, and Dr. Mary Ingram-Waters, an Honors Faculty Fellow at Barrett, The Honors College, provide insight on the topic of social media influencers. The full interviews are found in the podcast. Professor Naomi Mandel’s interview is found at 29:45, and Dr. Mary Ingram-Waters’ interview is found at 46:00.