While the movement’s precise origins are difficult to pinpoint, discontent with influencer culture has been mounting online for years. __(32)__ Deinfluencing, according to environmental educator Isaias Hernandez, is a rapidly growing trend that purports to educate the general public on the need to divest away from obtaining or upholding an excess of products that are not needed in our daily lives. Instead of propping products up, deinfluencers tend to caution their followers against purchasing items—whether because it’s overpriced, potentially harmful, or ethically questionable.

     __(33)__ Not everyone is sold on it. Some see deinfluencing as a savvy marketing ploy in its own right, just another bandwagon for opportunists to jump on and figure out how they can capitalize on it. The odds are that some deinfluencers are getting paid by rival brands to disparage products. For example, they may discourage viewers from buying a lip gloss which costs $ 42 but recommend a $10 lip gloss instead. There are those, nonetheless, who maintain that deinfluencing can bring about positive change. Adherents of the trend argue that many deinfluencers still dedicate themselves to spreading a deeper message to their followers about the cost of waste associated with fashion or beauty industries and how to live sustainably in a way that helps the planet. __(34)__ It prompts businesses to work harder on product transparency and ethical marketing practices, if they would like to mitigate the impact of deinfluencing and develop lasting connections with consumers. 

       Although its long-term impacts on the environment and society remain to be seen, deinfluencing has evolved from a backlash to mass advertising to a more nuanced discussion around overconsumption. __(35)__ This fosters a culture of mindful consumption and minimalism. No matter what, perhaps the key for consumers is not swallowing everything you see on TikTok, YouTube or Instagram hook, line and sinker. That way, you don’t need to be deinfluenced. 

 (AB) The movement encourages individuals to exercise discernment before succumbing to the allure of influencerendorsed products. 

(AC) Furthermore, deinfluencing helps promote honest conversations about products. 

(AD) Is deinfluencing just the opposite of influencing? Yes, but with some caveats.

(AE) Is deinfluencing a bona fide antidote to the gluttonous consumerism of the internet age?

(BC) The 2024 Consumer Buying Habits Report also shows that over one-third of consumers have opted out of purchases due to negative online reviews or influencer criticism (deinfluencing).

(BD) This hints the need for brands to adjust their marketing strategies to resonate with the specific media consumption preferences of their target audience.

(BE) NPR once surveyed its readers about their relationship with social media and heard from dozens of people who relayed being fed up with constant advertising on social media, feeling buyer's remorse after following an influencer's recommendation.