The 'dark side' of social media influencers and their impact on marketing and consumer behavior

Social media influencers (SMIs) pose psychological, health and security risks and need tighter regulation, a new study finds.

SMIs have revolutionized marketing, shaping consumer behavior, brand strategies, and even societal norms. However, new research exposes a lesser-known side of influencer culture, one that raises ethical, psychological, and regulatory concerns.  

A recent study systematically examines the negative impacts of SMIs, highlighting issues such as misinformation, endorsement of dangerous products, unrealistic beauty standards, the fostering of a comparison culture, deceptive consumption, and privacy risks.

With influencer marketing projected to reach an estimated $480 billion by 2027, companies increasingly rely on SMIs to promote products and foster consumer trust.

A Digital Marketing Institute (2024) survey found that 60 per cent of consumers trust influencer recommendations, with nearly half of all purchasing decisions being influenced by these endorsements. However, as influencer culture grows, so do concerns about its unintended consequences.

The paper, published in Psychology and Marketing, warns the power of SMIs is creating a worrying consumer landscape. Unlike traditional celebrities, whose fame is typically rooted in institutional settings - such as acting, music, or sports - SMIs gain recognition through social media platforms, often relying on personal branding and consistent engagement with their audiences.

What the researchers say: “Many SMIs act as opinion leaders or experts within their respective areas, frequently reviewing products and leveraging their authority, expertise, or relationships with followers to influence purchasing decisions,” the lead author said. “Some inspire and entertain; others deceive and upset. The deception and damage, and their impact on consumption, need to be carefully regulated.”

This study organizes the negative aspects of influencer marketing into six key themes:

• Promotion of harmful products – SMIs often endorse unhealthy or dangerous products such as diet pills, detox teas, and alcohol without full disclosure, influencing consumption habits, particularly among younger audiences.

• Dissemination of misinformation – many influencers, despite lacking expertise, spread false information about health, politics, and social issues, leading to widespread disinformation.

• Reinforcement of unrealistic beauty standards – by presenting filtered and curated images, influencers contribute to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and harmful beauty practices.

• Fostering of comparison culture – influencer-driven content fuels lifestyle envy and social anxiety, leading to negative self-comparison and diminished wellbeing.

• Deceptive consumption practices – some influencers engage in unethical behaviors such as undisclosed sponsorships, promotion of counterfeit goods, and misleading advertisements, undermining consumer trust.

• Privacy concerns – the extensive data collection and sharing by influencers raise significant security and regulatory issues, posing risks for both influencers and followers.

The study calls for more stringent oversight, increased transparency, and ethical marketing strategies to mitigate these risks. Researchers suggest the following strategies for policymakers and marketeers:

• Transparency and ethical compliance: brands must enforce clear disclosure policies to ensure responsible influencer partnerships.

• Regulation and consumer protection: governments should strengthen policies on influencer marketing to prevent deceptive practices and misinformation.

• Mental health awareness: companies and influencers must prioritize authentic content that promotes well-being rather than unattainable ideals.

• Data privacy protections: stronger safeguards and awareness campaigns are needed to protect users from privacy breaches and data exploitation.

"Social media influencers hold immense power over consumer decisions and cultural norms. While they provide entertainment, inspiration, and brand engagement, the unchecked influence of some SMIs can lead to serious ethical and psychological consequences,” the researchers explained. “Our study highlights the urgency for both academic and industry stakeholders to address these challenges proactively."

This research offers a critical framework for analyzing influencer culture beyond its commercial benefits, emphasizing the need for ethical marketing practices and a healthier digital ecosystem.

My take: I totally agree with the researchers, but I have my doubts as to whether it will happen in my lifetime (and I intend to live for many years more).