The line between influencers and journalists—and whether their morals and ethics overlap—is thin.
Influencers gain a following by posting everyday activities. Their audiences grow quickly, and many followers view them as trustworthy. Journalists, on the other hand, often spend years building a credible reputation and loyal readership. While influencers are sent PR packages and brand deals, journalists are often overlooked.
Influencers usually attract a wide and diverse audience. Followers look to them for positivity, lifestyle inspiration and relatability. But rarely do influencers address topics such as hate crimes, racism, war or mass violence—issues that shape people’s daily lives. When influencers do weigh in, their statements are often surface-level, lacking context or factual accuracy.
Journalists don’t have that luxury. They dedicate their careers to reporting real-world issues, fully aware of the impact on communities. They fact-check, investigate and sometimes even witness events firsthand, which makes their stories authentic and credible. According to The Guardian, in the last four days alone, 242 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the war. Journalists risk their lives to show the world what is happening, while many influencers remain sheltered in their own.
The bigger picture is this: the world is not defined by what your favorite influencers post online. The world can be harsh, and because of that, people should be educated on the hard truths. Too often, audiences sympathize with influencers who complain about the “stress” of filming content for millions of fans, while journalists quietly push forward in dangerous conditions without asking for pity. For them, it’s never about the hardship—it’s about the story.
Influencers should not be considered journalists, even when they speak on global issues. More often than not, their statements are inaccurate or performative, offered only when fans demand it or when their careers are at risk. Journalists, by contrast, put their lives on the line to tell stories that matter. That difference should never be downplayed.
An influencer’s reputation can flip from praise to pity in a matter of hours. Meanwhile, journalists’ work is often ignored. It’s time to recognize the story—and the people who make that story heard—rather than those who are forced to manufacture one.
