The increasing influence of social media influencers on their followers is a notable concern in today’s digital age. The dynamics between influencers and followers can sometimes resemble the power imbalances and behavioral shifts observed in experiments like the Stanford prison study.

The Stanford prison experiment, conducted in 1971 by psychologist Philip Zimbardo, showcased how assigned roles of authority (corrections officers) and submissiveness (prisoners) could drastically alter individuals’ behavior quickly. The guards began to display abusive behavior, while the prisoners showed signs of emotional distress and passive acceptance of ill-treatment. The experiment was terminated prematurely due to its escalating effects on participants.

Drawing a parallel with social media, as influencers gain more followers and consequently more influence, there’s potential for them to unknowingly (or knowingly) adopt a sense of superiority or dismissiveness. Their large platforms provide them with significant authority, and how they wield this can impact their followers profoundly. When influencers prioritize their branding, sponsored content, or personal narratives over engaging authentically with their followers, it can create feelings of invisibility and insignificance among those who follow them.

For some followers, being consistently ignored or undervalued can lead to feelings of rejection—particularly those who invest considerable emotional energy into these online relationships. The constant desire for acknowledgment and validation from a favorite influencer can spiral into obsession, low self-worth, and even psychological trauma in extreme cases.

Few influencers prioritize positive engagement, mental health awareness, and authentic connections. The potential for negative dynamics exists and should not be ignored. Followers need to be aware of the potential pitfalls of investing too much emotionally in these online personas. They should also cultivate a diverse online environment and prioritize real-life connections.

For influencers, it’s a reminder that with great power comes great responsibility. They must recognize their influence and engage with their followers responsibly and ethically, prioritizing well-being over metrics.