Posts tagged ‘Influencers’
OPINIONS ARE LIKE ASSHOLES: AN OBSERVATION
OPINIONS ARE LIKE ASSHOLES: AN OBSERVATION
Did this title grab your attention?
When I was in the air force I had a friend who would say, “Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one.” And in my opinion (chuckle, chuckle) opinions nowadays are replacing facts with what the public is exposed to.
We live in the age of podcasts and the relatively new addition of Influencers. I am neither participating in either one. Podcasts, I feel, can be harmful or benign depending on the subject. If the subject is something like hobbies or sports what damage can be done? But there are subjects where a great deal of damage could be done especially if the information given is false. With Influencers it could not only be the subject which could cause harm if not approached truthfully. To me an Influencer is practicing a form of mind control. They want you to think the way they do. I find the term Influencer to be sinister. Their object, it seems to me, is to get you to think along their lines.
I fear that some podcasters and the fact that Influencers exist is a sign of how news and opinions are handled in our society. They have taken the road which some news organizations have taken. Today, depending on your views, you can get your news from any organization which strengthens your views. I’m not saying that podcasters and Influencers broadcast lies, but I am fairly sure some do. But do they reveal facts that go against the subject they are dealing with?
Finally, please remember my opening comment concerning opinions. Remember, all podcasts and the words of Influencers are a mixture of opinions, and I hope, facts. Its up to you to set a standard for what ratio you are willing to waste your time listening to.
ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY INFLUENCERS?
ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY INFLUENCERS?
Ever since I heard the term ‘Influencer’ I had an immediate dislike for it. For I am not easily influencedon a subject of some importance. That’s just me, and perhaps a product of age,but what about you?
When I want information on a subject I consider important I go to a reliable source which I trust. There are times when I may depend on more than one source for information. This brings me to the heart of this post. Are you sure the Influencer you are listening to is reliable and has accurate knowledge on the subject? Do they consider themselves authority figures but have no authority.
What are the qualifications required to make an Influencer an Influencer? Does the person you are listening to, especially on a subject of great importance, offer qualifications which give their opinions so validity? I’m sure that some Influencers deal with a subject of no great importance. I am just as sure that some deal with vital subjects.
So, my advice when listening to an Influencer is to be careful. Depending on the subject check the qualifications of the individual giving the information. In this day and age there is an overwhelming number of sites to obtain information. Be careful in what you take as gospel on a subject being dealt with by a person who might no know what they are talking about or base the discussion on their own opinion?
Do not be easily influenced.
