The Practice of ‘De-Influencing’ and Normalising Imperfection

If you're as chronically online as I am, you're probably familiar with the idea that social media often presents a highly glamorous, polished world that feels detached from reality and our everyday experiences. One trend currently taking over my FYP aims to challenge this narrative, known as 'de-influencing’. In this trend, TikTok users - no matter their reach or follower count - are debunking the myths about how we should be living our lives based on social media’s influence.

In an era where social media displays constant idealised versions of how we should be living, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others on platforms like TikTok. It leads you to question whether you are living your life properly, as though there’s a ‘right’ way of doing it. Whether it's travelling the world, starting your own business, finding your soulmate, buying a house, or all of the above, it often feels like you're expected to do everything - and all at once!

The trend of de-influencing is pushing back against this pressure to live up to these unrealistic standards of how we are ‘supposed’ to live our lives. Content creators are encouraging their audience to reject the curated images of the ‘perfect life’ portrayed online, and instead embrace the beauty of imperfection and authenticity. The message is as clear as it is important: that everyone’s journey is unique, and we should each feel comfortable moving at our own pace.

Many of the de-influencing videos I’ve come across on TikTok have been hugely comforting to watch, restoring a sense of authenticity and honesty to the app. I’ve seen videos of people sharing how they quit their jobs in their late twenties and moved back home with their parents, or how they ended an 8-year-long relationship and started fresh in a new country. These creators have normalised not having an 18-step skincare routine, a consistent workout regimen, or a packed social calendar. They embrace having a small circle of friends, quitting a degree that doesn't fulfill you, and following your own timeline. What truly resonates is how this content reminds us that we’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed or a little lost in life, and helps alleviate the pressure of needing to have everything figured out or be perfect.

The diverse range of experiences people are sharing to ‘normalise’ is a powerful representation of how different everyone's journey is, reminding us that social media should not dictate how we navigate our day-to-day lives. Next time you feel engulfed by glamorised ‘picture perfect’ content on social media, I recommend exploring this trend on TikTok - it’s a refreshing reminder to reconnect with reality and that your path is uniquely yours, not what social media may lead you to believe it should be.

‍