Why I Stopped Wanting to Be a Social Media Influencer: A Journey from Journalism to Content Creation

For as long as I can remember, journalism has been my passion. From the moment I was twelve, I was captivated by the art of storytelling, the thrill of uncovering the truth, and the satisfaction of informing and engaging with an audience. This fervor led me to pursue a formal education in journalism and embark on a career that has been both fulfilling and challenging. Working full-time as a journalist while completing my studies was no small feat, but it was a labor of love that set the foundation for my professional life.

As the digital landscape evolved, the natural crossover from traditional journalism to social media seemed like a perfect fit. Social media platforms offered a new way to reach audiences, share stories, and engage with people on a more personal level. The idea of blending my journalistic skills with the dynamic world of social media was enticing. It felt like an opportunity to innovate while staying true to my passion for content creation.

However, as I delved deeper into the realm of social media, I began to see a stark contrast between it and traditional journalism. Social media, in many ways, has been dominated by individuals without formal media training. It is heavily commercialized, with algorithms and marketing strategies often taking precedence over genuine content and authentic engagement. This shift made me realise that the landscape was not as aligned with my values as I had hoped.

When I initially set out to become a social media influencer about a decade ago, my motivation was to create content that resonated with people in the same way my journalistic work did. I wanted to build a community around shared interests and provide value through my content. However, over time, the social media sphere began to gain a reputation for being more of a "grift" than a genuine platform for creative expression. The pressure to constantly produce content, chase trends, and cater to commercial interests felt increasingly at odds with my original vision.

Despite these changes, my love for social media and content creation remains intact. I still enjoy creating and sharing content, but I've come to accept that, for now, it's best kept as a hobby. Unless social media evolves in a way that aligns more closely with my values or it starts generating enough income to make it a viable full-time endeavour, I plan to keep it as a creative outlet rather than a primary career focus.

In closing, while my journey from journalism to social media has been eye-opening, it has also reinforced my commitment to authentic and meaningful content creation. I am excited to continue exploring this passion in my own time, without the pressures and constraints that can come with being a full-time influencer.