Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with friends and followers. It has become an influential force in modern society, particularly among young people. One of the most notable features of Instagram is its ability to influence consumer behavior through influencers. Influencers are individuals who have large followings and can shape public opinion about products or services. This essay will explore how Instagram's influencer economy commodifies erotic capital, which refers to a person's ability to attract others through physical appearance or sexual appeal.
The first step in understanding how Instagram's influencer economy commodifies erotic capital is to define what it means. Erotic capital refers to a person's ability to attract others based on their physical appearance or sexual appeal.
Someone with blonde hair and blue eyes may be seen as more attractive than someone with brown hair and green eyes. Similarly, someone with a muscular physique may be seen as more desirable than someone with a less athletic build. This concept was coined by sociologist Catherine Hakim, who argued that this form of capital should be included alongside traditional forms such as financial, educational, and cultural capital.
On Instagram, many influencers use their erotic capital to gain attention from brands and advertisers. They create content that showcases their bodies or fashion sense in order to attract followers who then buy products they promote. This commodification of erotic capital can lead to objectification and exploitation. Influencers may feel pressured to post revealing pictures or videos to stay competitive in the market. Some users may also feel uncomfortable seeing these images, especially if they do not match their own body type or preferences.
Another way Instagram's influencer economy commodifies erotic capital is by creating a false sense of intimacy between influencers and followers. Many influencers portray themselves as relatable and approachable individuals who share personal details about their lives with fans.
This often leads to an illusion of closeness that is impossible to maintain over social media. Followers may develop unrealistic expectations about relationships and end up feeling disappointed when they meet an influencer in person.
Some influencers use their erotic capital to manipulate followers into believing they have a connection that does not exist.
Instagram's influencer economy commodifies erotic capital by normalizing certain standards of beauty and sexuality. By promoting certain types of bodies and lifestyles, it reinforces harmful stereotypes about gender roles and heteronormativity.
Women are often expected to be thin and feminine while men are expected to be muscular and masculine. This can lead to feelings of shame or inadequacy among those who do not fit these norms.
Instagram's influencer economy commodifies erotic capital by creating a culture where physical appearance and sexual appeal are valued above all else. It objectifies and exploits influencers while perpetuating unhealthy attitudes towards sex and intimacy. To combat this, users should be aware of the ways in which influencer marketing shapes our perceptions and resist the pressure to conform to arbitrary beauty standards.
How does Instagram's influencer economy commodify erotic capital?
Influencers on social media platforms such as Instagram are increasingly using their bodies, sexuality, and charisma for monetary gain through sponsorships, brand deals, and promotions of products that emphasize their physical appearance and/or sex appeal. This process, known as the commodification of erotic capital, objectifies these individuals and reduces them to their physical attributes rather than their talents, skills, or accomplishments.