“Why Social Media Influencers Are Under Attack”

Recently, In Iraq, a Social Media Influencer (SMI) named Om Fahad was shot dead by an
unidentified gunman. Fahad was a rising social media influencer from Iraq and raised women’s
issues on social media platforms. The killing of Fahad is not an isolated incident but rather a
systematic pattern to stop the vice of change. These social media Influencers are targeted by
reactionists because they have a very high number of audiences on social media platforms due to
their credibility, reach, and capacity to engage with the broader audience.
Who are the Social Media Influencers?
A social media influencer is a digital-age individual who has garnered a substantial following on
social media platforms and has established credibility, trust, and engagement within a specific
industry. These influencers possess the ability to sway the opinions, behaviors, and purchasing
decisions of their audience due to their perceived expertise and relatability. Based on their
followers, they are broadly categorized into four types.
First, with 1-10,000 followers, Nano Social Media Influencers are cost-effective and ideal for
small to medium-sized businesses with limited budgets. They often have a highly engaged
following, making their recommendations more trustworthy. Nano influencers usually specialize
in specific topics, providing targeted exposure for any services.
Second, Micro social media influencers have 10,000 to 100,000 followers and are suitable for any
brand aiming to reach new and engaged audiences. They offer cost-effective collaboration with
clients and their audience’s needs. Micro-influencers are particularly effective for brand awareness
campaigns.
Third, Macro Social Media Influencers, ranging from 100,000 to 10,00,000 followers, are well-
suited for brands seeking to reach large audiences. They often engage across multiple platforms
and may have additional platforms like a website or podcast.
Fourth, Mega Social Media Influencers, with more than 10,00,000 followers, are employed for
campaigns focused on awareness and sales with substantial budgets. They offer the opportunity to
reach large audiences and are suitable for major product launches or significant events. Mega
influencers typically have well-established credibility and create high-quality, professional
content.
Why are Social Media Influencers Important?
Social media influencers are essential for social change due to their broad reach, accessibility, and
ability to engage diverse demographics, especially the youth. They play a pivotal role in creating
awareness, amplifying messages, and providing real-time coverage of events. Their influence
contributes to image building through endorsements and shapes public opinion. These influencers
connect with their audience personally, fostering trust and a sense of digital belongingness, making
them effective agents for driving social change. Whether raising awareness about critical social
issues, promoting sustainability, or advocating for diversity and inclusion, influencers can inspire
action and spark meaningful conversations that lead to positive societal transformations.
Why do reactionaries target SMI?
Social media influencers are targeted worldwide, especially by reactionists, due to their significant
impact on shaping public opinion and cultural trends. Reactionists often see influencers as symbols
of modernity and change, which can challenge traditional values and beliefs. Influencers have the
power to sway large audiences, including young people, and this influence can be perceived as a
threat to established norms and ideologies. Furthermore, influencers often use their platforms to
discuss sensitive topics such as politics, social justice, and human rights. Their outspokenness
provokes strong reactions from those who disagree with their views or feel threatened by their
influence. In some cases, influencers become targets of harassment or smear campaigns simply for
expressing their opinions or advocating for change. Additionally, influencer culture has disrupted
traditional media landscapes and shifted power dynamics in the entertainment and advertising
industries. This can lead to resentment from those marginalized or excluded by the influencer-
driven economy, such as traditional media outlets or established celebrities.
A Way Forward
Social Media Influencers can be protected through several key measures. Firstly, strengthening
platform policies is crucial. Social media platforms must enforce stricter rules and guidelines to
prevent harassment, cyberbullying, and defamation. This includes implementing robust reporting
systems and swift action against accounts engaging in abusive behaviour. Platforms can better
support influencers and their communities by creating safer online environments. Additionally,
self-care and mental health support are crucial for influencers facing online harassment. The
constant pressure and scrutiny can take a toll on their well-being. Secondly, Digital education and
awareness initiatives are essential to evaluate the content and recognize harmful behaviors.
Various stakeholders such as Non-government Organizations (NGOs), and SMIs can play a role
in educating their followers about online safety and responsible social media use. Finally,
engagement with authorities is essential. Governments should collaborate with platforms and SMIs
to ensure laws adequately address online threats and protect influencers against targeted attacks.

About Author
Dr Nikhil Kumar Singhmar is an Author and Social Media and Political Consultant in India. He
holds PhD in social media politics in India from Jawaharlal Nehru University. His areas of interest
include the discourse and narrative analysis of social media, Election strategies and Data analysis.
He has authored “Aam Aadmi Party: Vichardhara aur Delhi Model.” as well as the founder of
DigiPolitics.