Do Social Media Influencers actually affect consumers?

Summary

The speaker reflects on the influence of social media and online influencers on their shopping habits. They acknowledge the temptation of buying products seen on Instagram or promoted by influencers but emphasize a conscious effort to make sensible purchasing decisions. While they occasionally give in, such as buying mascara recommended by an influencer, they remain wary of mainstream brands and influencer promotions, suspecting that some products may be showcased differently than in reality. The discussion highlights the persuasive power of social media shopping, the impact of trends, and the need for critical thinking when navigating online consumer culture.

Takeaways

• 📱 Social media, especially Instagram, strongly influences people's purchasing decisions.
• 🛍️ People often desire products they see others using, even if they initially didn’t plan to buy them.
• 💳 Following influencers can lead to unplanned spending on items promoted online.
• 🙅‍♀️ Some users avoid mainstream influencers or popular brands due to distrust or personal preference.
• 💄 Even cautious individuals can be persuaded to purchase products like cosmetics because of influencer promotion.
• 🤔 Many people try to balance impulse buying with sensible decision-making to avoid unnecessary purchases.
• 🛒 Instagram shopping features make it extremely easy for users to buy items directly from posts.
• 👗 Seeing someone admired wearing a product can increase the desire to purchase it.
• ⚠️ There is a common distrust toward influencers, especially regarding whether they genuinely use the products or just promote them for money.
• 🌐 Social media trends impact modern consumer behavior because the platforms are highly interconnected and visible.
• 📉 Some brands may market products differently online than how they appear in reality, which can mislead consumers.
• 🧠 Sensible thinking often helps users resist social media pressures, but curiosity and desire still play a role.

Q & A

How does social media influence the speaker's purchasing decisions?

The speaker admits that seeing friends or influencers wearing products on social media, especially Instagram, sometimes encourages them to make purchases, even if they initially try to resist.

Which brands does the speaker try to avoid and why?

The speaker avoids mainstream brands like PrettyLittleThing and Boohoo due to concerns that the products often look different online than in real life and that influencer endorsements may not be genuine.

Has the speaker ever bought a product because of an influencer?

Yes, the speaker mentions buying mascara today influenced by a social media influencer, showing that they are not completely immune to influencer marketing.

What strategies does the speaker use to resist impulsive purchases?

The speaker relies on rational thinking, allowing their sensible side to overrule temptation and avoid unnecessary spending despite being tempted by trends or influencer promotions.

What role does Instagram Shopping play in consumer behavior according to the speaker?

Instagram Shopping makes purchasing easier by allowing users to tap on a product in a post and be directed straight to the purchase page, which can encourage spontaneous buying.

Why is the speaker skeptical of social media influencers?

They believe some influencers may promote products solely for financial gain rather than genuine use, and that they often receive better versions of products than the average consumer.

How does the speaker differentiate between influencers they trust and those they don't?

They tend to trust influencers they already know or whose taste aligns with theirs, while avoiding random or mainstream influencers associated with popular but less trusted brands.

What emotional or psychological factors contribute to the speaker’s purchasing decisions?

The speaker experiences desire and temptation when seeing attractive products or trends online but balances it with rational thinking, reflecting a tension between instant gratification and sensible spending.

Does the speaker believe social media has always influenced consumer behavior?

Yes, they note that social media has a long-standing impact on trends and consumer choices because it connects people to the latest styles and what their favorite individuals are wearing.

What is the speaker’s overall attitude toward social media marketing?

The speaker acknowledges the power and effectiveness of social media marketing but remains cautious and selective, trying to avoid falling for deceptive or unnecessary purchases.