Authenticity vs. Influence: Navigating Social Media in Sex Education and Beyond
What I spoke to about performance on social media for fame versus connecting for advocacy and change isn’t just applicable to sex education; it’s a social media equation—one that directly impacts our mental health as consumers.
Write X about yourself in your bio + post Y freebie + post Z pictures of yourself = become an influencer in your field, get thousands of followers, & make beaucoup 💰💰💰
In scrolling through the comments of yesterday’s post, the slides were validating and reassuring for many, and conflicting, reflective, and, perhaps, accusatory for others in this space.
Sometimes the truth isn’t pretty. I’m not sure how posting photos of oneself every other post is an example that someone is an expert at their craft or services. Even if their caption says otherwise—I, a lengthy caption writer, know that a caption is often overlooked—if it’s read at all. I’m still not sure how someone quoting Buddha exemplifies their work, platform, or expertise, other than a hug and kiss with light and love xoxo- sincerely, white girls everywhere. And can we all just agree that saying “biz” instead of “business” isn’t a spelling thing, it’s an adult thing?
Businesses & individuals leverage Instagram for not only profit, but notoriety. Fame. Expertise. Recognition. Acceptance. Oftentimes, they follow these marketing equations to such a level that they, and their followers, lose sight of their intentions along the way. And for me, that’s what it all comes back to—What is your intention here?
Whether you’re a therapist, financial consultant, dietician, whatever your purpose and role is on this journey we call life, how do we negotiate our intentions and authenticity with our social performance?
I’ve seen accounts I’ve loved turn into accounts I no longer recognize. From the marketing funnels, to the cleverly written captions & photos from the same photoshoot from six years ago, there is a recognizable trade of authenticity for ego.
A common question I receive from colleagues and aspiring sex educators is how I grew my Instagram following. I have no marketing scheme or secret. I only have the power of self, and that’s who I’ve chosen to invest in.