The term 'influencer' being weaponised against women | ABC Radio National

Key Concepts:

• Weaponization of "influencer" label against women.
• Disparity in perception and treatment of male vs. female content creators.
• Influence vs. Podcasting/Media Personality labels.
• Social Media vs. Podcast platforms and their impact on perception.
• Respect within the industry and its correlation with the "influencer" label.

Disparity in Labeling and Perception

Hannah Ferguson from Cheek Media observes that the term "influencer" appears to be weaponized against women. The speaker notes that the term is rarely, if ever, applied to male podcasters, commentators, or businessmen. Examples like Batuda advocate or Mark Boris are provided, highlighting that their demeanor, interview style, or lines of questioning do not result in them being labeled as "influencers" in a negative way. The speaker argues that men can get away with "honest bloaty conversation" and dim lighting without facing the same scrutiny as women, who are often deemed superficial, dangerous, unprofessional, or failures.

Male Content Creators: Podcasters vs. Influencers

The discussion shifts to how men in the content creation space are perceived. The speaker acknowledges that men are typically labeled as podcasters or creators. Joe Rogan is cited as an example of someone with significant influence, primarily over young men, but is more likely to be described as a podcaster or media personality rather than an influencer.

Andrew Tate: A Counter-Example and the Role of Social Media

The speaker acknowledges Andrew Tate as a counter-example, often labeled as an influencer due to his negative influence on young men. However, a distinction is made: Tate's content primarily existed on social media, leading to his deplatforming. While he had a podcast, his primary method of reaching his audience was through social media. This is presented as a key factor in why he is labeled an "influencer."

Respect Within the Industry

The speaker notes that Andrew Tate lacks respect within the industry. This point is connected back to the earlier discussion about women in the industry, suggesting that the "influencer" label, particularly when applied to women, is often associated with a lack of respect or credibility.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The discussion highlights a double standard in how male and female content creators are perceived and labeled. The term "influencer" is often weaponized against women, carrying negative connotations that are not typically applied to men in similar roles. The platform used (social media vs. podcasting) and the level of respect within the industry appear to be factors influencing whether someone is labeled an "influencer" and the associated implications.