I like to think that I am a hardworking, ambitious individual. But every time I see a pretty Instagram model announce a new swimsuit line and instantly make millions, a small piece of me cries.  

I am a senior in college. I work two jobs and have just enough to live comfortably. Graduation is inching closer and closer. I am suddenly faced with figuring out what I want to do with my life. How is it fair that there are people in this world that make a living exclusively from people thinking they are attractive? 

I know that I am passionate about journalism and love writing. I want to pursue this as a career, but I sigh whenever the thought crosses my mind that it would be so much easier if I could just become a social media celebrity.  

According to Forbes, becoming an influencer requires “strategy, authenticity and a deep connection with your audience.” For honest brands, this is probably true. I took an entire class on social media strategy last year, and I know some brands achieve notoriety through hard work and dedication.  

I think of a friend of mine who works every day to promote her personal brand as a Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader and fitness instructor. She gives shout outs her lash stylist, favorite smoothie place and fitness center on almost every post she makes, hoping to connect to a wider audience.  

But then, I run across other influencers in my feed who seem far less strategic and deserving.  

TikTok star Charli D’Amelio is the worst example of an influencer who doesn’t deserve to have it so easy. D’Amelio blew up in 2020 when she popularized the Renegade on TikTok, a dance to rapper K Camp’s “Lottery (Renegade).” Despite not having created the dance, D’Amelio soared to stardom for her participation in the trend.  

Jalaiah Harmon, the actual creator of the dance, was never credited by D’Amelio, as The New York Times reports. D’Amelio created an empire of TikTok fame off of plagiarized content. Where I come from, plagiarism gets you bad grades and suspensions, not financial freedom and a reality TV show.  

Harry Jowsey was on the first season of Netflix’s “Too Hot to Handle.” He proposed to his show-girlfriend Francesca Farago with a ring pop on the reunion episode.  

After that, he became well-known as one of Netflix’s biggest tools, dating and breaking up with several other Netflix stars, including “Too Hot to Handle” contestants Madison Wyborny and Georgia Hassarati and “Love is Blind” sensation Jessica Vestal. Business Insider reports that these relationships were often characterized by lies and accusations of infidelity.  
 
Still, the 27-year-old has 4.4 million followers, directs his own podcasts and sells candles on the side. Does being an Australian womanizer really pay the bills? 

Jake Paul got famous on Vine. For those that may not remember, Vine was a social media site for 6-second video posts.  

Most of his videos featured dorky, high school humor. Sure, I find myself chuckling here and there, but I still find it astonishing that he has found his way from being an average teenager on social media to a full-time YouTuber and side-hustle boxer. I’ve met funnier people who still have to work for a living.  

I wonder how stealing content, having mediocre humor and being handsome are considered strategic and authentic. Why do influencers like these three get to live at the top of society when I have to learn how to make a living the normal way? 

Yes, I am probably sitting in the bitterness of senioritis, or maybe I am just not that interesting. But it would be nice to float off onto influencer island and never have to use my brain to make money again. 

Charli D’Amelio. Photo courtesy of Allure.