The Modern Sleazy Salesmen: Influencers and the Trap of Consumerism

They never say you just need to eat a balanced diet. They never tell you that a simple, affordable multivitamin can suffice, or that fresh vegetables and fruits are really all you need. Instead, they bombard you with flashy ads and emotional pitches for the latest “miracle” supplements, often presented as the missing link to your ideal life.

Image of a social media influencer holding various product endorsements

They never say you can just buy clothes at a low-priced store when you need to replace the old ones. Instead, you’re convinced that every new season demands a wardrobe overhaul, featuring the latest “trendy” pieces that you absolutely “must-have” to stay relevant. The result? Closets full of outfits you barely wear, driven by influencers and consumerism, as social media stars profit off every click and purchase.

They never say a regular old pan works just fine. Your grandmother’s cast iron pan has served generations well, but instead, influencers convince you that you need the latest high-tech cookware. I’ve fallen for it. I have a cupboard full of vitamin supplements and the full set of HexClad pans to prove it. These expensive “essentials” were supposed to revolutionize my life, but the reality? They sit there, gathering dust, because a regular pan worked just fine all along.

Influencers today are the sleazy salesmen of yesterday. Their tactics are slicker, their branding more personal, but the underlying message is the same: you need more to be happy, successful, or even healthy. They lure you in with a catchy story, set up the product they’re trying to sell, and make you buy something you don’t need. And I’ve fallen for it—time and time again.

We often forget that influencers are modern marketers, using a more relatable, personable image to sell products. Their power lies in trust—building a seemingly authentic connection with followers while pushing an endless stream of products. But we need to recognize them for what they are: salespeople.

In a world that thrives on consumerism, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle. It’s tempting to believe that happiness or success can be bought in the form of the latest trend, gadget, or supplement. But the truth is, we don’t need most of what influencers try to sell us. We need balance, common sense, and a little skepticism.

So next time you’re tempted by a persuasive Instagram ad, remember: your regular old pan, affordable clothes, and a balanced diet might be all you need after all.