Latest Influencer News in 2026
Looking to learn more about influencers? Check out our latest news from the most talked about influencers today!
Sadfishing Meaning: Why This Social Media Trend Could Create \’Sense Of Apathy\’
‘Sadfishing’ is a term used to describe the act of posting exaggerated emotional struggles on social media to garner sympathy and attention. Coined in 2019 by journalist Rebecca Reid, it initially targeted celebrities who manipulate their audience for personal gain. Reid got the idea after Kendall Jenner posted about her acne struggles, which turned out to be a marketing campaign. The trend is not limited to celebrities; it has spread widely, affecting genuine expressions of vulnerability. Sadfishing involves using social media to seek attention through emotional posts. While this behavior is criticized, Reid noted that seeking attention is a natural human trait and not inherently wrong. However, sadfishing can damage trust and create apathy towards future pleas for help. Indian model and celebrity Poonam Pandey faced backlash after falsely claiming her death to raise awareness about cervical cancer, which was seen as a publicity stunt. A study by Digital Awareness UK (DAUK) involving 50,000 children aged 11 to 16 found that kids are often accused of sadfishing when seeking genuine support online. One student shared his home problems on Instagram but was labeled as seeking attention, which worsened his situation. Researchers noted that students often feel disappointed by the lack of genuine support they receive online. The study revealed that adolescents who were anxious, depressed, and felt a lack of social support were more likely to engage in sadfishing. Boys are more prone to sadfishing during adolescence, but this tendency decreases with age, while for girls, it increases. The distinction between sadfishing and genuine vulnerability is crucial. Sadfishing involves posting emotionally manipulative content, while genuinely expressing vulnerability might include sharing personal struggles to seek support or connect with others experiencing similar feelings. Sadfishing examples include instances where people exaggerate their struggles for attention, such as falsely claiming severe health issues or emotional crises. A 2021 study found that individuals with an anxious attachment style are more likely to engage in sadfishing, seeking validation through others. Behavioral specialist Cara Petrofes explained that those anxiously attached need consistent friend activity and numerous friendships, both online and in-person. Psychotherapist Tess Brigham emphasized that seeking validation from peers is a natural part of being human and doesn’t necessarily indicate an anxious attachment style. It reflects how we share our feelings in modern times. As we look at social media trends in 2024, it is important to consider the social media effects on mental health. Sadfishing is just one aspect of how social media can influence our mental well-being. When encountering such posts online, it’s best to respond with kindness and empathy rather than speculating or leaving superficial comments. Understanding the fine line between seeking attention and genuine cries for help can foster a more supportive online community.
Starbucks Launches Own Production House To \’Produce Original Entertainment\’ With Hollywood Partners
Starbucks has announced a new initiative called Starbucks Studios, aimed at producing original entertainment and telling stories that foster human connection and joy. Christy Cain, vice president of brand and partnerships marketing, stated that Starbucks Studios aligns with the company\'s mission to explore the limitless possibilities of human connection. The initiative will spotlight young artists, innovators, changemakers, and others who inspire and make a positive impact on the world. Starbucks Studios is partnering with Sugar23, a multimedia production and talent management organization. Michael Sugar, founder and CEO of Sugar23, emphasized that storytelling is a natural extension of Starbucks\' efforts to connect with people. He expressed excitement about working with Starbucks to create premium entertainment that fosters connections and inspires change. Starbucks has a history of supporting original films and series that reflect its values. Past projects include \"Upstanders,\" a series launched in 2016 and 2017 that highlights real people making a difference in their communities. In 2019, Starbucks released \"Hingakawa,\" a film about two women who found common ground through coffee and chose forgiveness. Starbucks also produced \"This is Football,\" a six-part documentary exploring the emotions, stories, and passions of the world\'s most loved sport. The launch of Starbucks Studios marks a significant expansion of Starbucks\' commitment to the arts and storytelling. By creating a dedicated platform for original content, Starbucks aims to deepen its engagement with customers and communities worldwide. This initiative not only enhances the company\'s brand but also provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard, reinforcing Starbucks\' dedication to inclusivity and social impact. Looking ahead, Starbucks Studios plans to collaborate with various creators and influencers to produce content that resonates on a global scale. The partnership with Sugar23 is expected to bring high-quality, thought-provoking entertainment to audiences, blending Starbucks\' cultural influence with Sugar23\'s expertise in multimedia production. This strategic move positions Starbucks as a key player in the entertainment industry, leveraging its brand power to inspire and connect people through the art of storytelling. In addition to Starbucks Studios, the company is establishing a Starbucks production studio to further enhance its content creation capabilities. This new Starbucks production house will serve as a hub for developing innovative projects and collaborating with a wide array of talent. By investing in a dedicated production facility, Starbucks underscores its commitment to delivering impactful stories and high-quality entertainment, cementing its role as a major player in the realm of original content production.
Here\’s How To Join $1 Million Prime Hydration Treasure Hunt
Logan Paul and KSI have launched a global treasure hunt called “The Hunt for Hydration” through their Prime Hydration brand. With $1 million up for grabs, participants can join the quest by finding pieces of a treasure map linked to the new Prime X flavor. This event is being referred to in various ways, including the Prime hydration treasure hunt, Prime treasure hunt, and Prime x treasure hunt. To compete, you need to locate Prime Hydration’s new Prime X flavor in select stores. Each bottle has a QR code that you can scan, or you can visit Prime’s official website to participate. You’ll need to create a free account and confirm you are over 16 years old to join the hunt. The goal is to unlock 12 unique pieces of the treasure map by finding 12 unique bottles of Prime X. Each bottle provides two key elements: a physical map piece printed under the label and a 12-digit code under the cap. These codes can be scanned or entered manually on the website to build your virtual map. Participants must save every cap and label collected, as these will be required to claim the $1 million prize. Additionally, codes from the bottles earn points that can be redeemed for Prime merchandise. Although Prime’s official post mentions that no purchase is necessary, this refers to the sign-up process. Acquiring codes and map pieces will involve purchasing the bottles. The launch of “The Hunt for Hydration” marks one of the biggest promotional events for Prime Hydration, showcasing the brand\'s innovative approach to engaging with its audience. Logan Paul and KSI, both major influencers, have leveraged their substantial followings to generate excitement and participation in the Prime hydration treasure hunt. This unique campaign not only promotes the new Prime X flavor but also strengthens the brand’s community by encouraging fans to actively participate in a fun and rewarding challenge. The anticipation and buzz around the Prime treasure hunt highlight the growing trend of interactive marketing strategies in the beverage industry. The competition runs from June 10 to August 1, giving participants just under two months to find all the limited-edition Prime X bottles and complete their maps. The winner of the $1 million prize will be announced on August 12.
Miranda Derrick\’s Life \’In Danger\’ After Release Of Netflix \’Dancing For The Devil\’
Miranda Derrick, the subject of Netflix’s docuseries “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,” has claimed that her life is in danger following the documentary’s release. In a video posted on Instagram, Derrick stated that she and her husband, James, are being followed and that their safety has been compromised since the series premiered on May 29. The three-episode series delves into the lives of a group of TikTok dancers who believe they are part of a talent management company called 7M. Central to the narrative is Miranda Derrick, who is estranged from her family. The series documents her family’s desperate attempts to bring her back and portrays Robert Shinn, the leader of 7M and pastor of the invite-only church Shekinah, as a manipulative figure. The series includes testimonies from former 7M members who share their experiences of heartbreak and grief under Shinn\'s leadership. One of the former members, Priscylla Lee, has a lawsuit against Shinn and other members of Shekinah. Her story, along with others, highlights the alleged controlling and abusive practices within the organization. Derrick’s public plea on Instagram has raised concerns about her well-being and the potential risks faced by individuals involved in exposing controversial organizations. The documentary, \"Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult,\" has drawn significant attention to the practices of 7M and the experiences of those who have left the group, sparking widespread discussion about the influence of cult-like organizations on social media influencers and their followers. In her Instagram video, Miranda Derrick also called for public support, urging viewers to spread awareness about their situation and help ensure their safety. She expressed fear and frustration over the lack of privacy and the constant surveillance she claims they are under. This development adds another layer of urgency and gravity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the docuseries, raising questions about the real-life dangers faced by individuals entangled in such organizations and the broader implications for social media influencers caught in similar predicaments.
Fake Airline Profiles On X Used To Steal User Data; Platform\’s Delayed Response Criticized
Holidaymakers are being warned about a surge in Twitter scams involving fake social media accounts impersonating airlines. According to consumer association \"Which?\", every major UK airline has bogus accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter. These fake accounts trick customers into giving away their personal data. \"Which?\" also criticized X for being too slow to take down these accounts. X stated that accounts impersonating organizations could be permanently suspended under its \"misleading and deceptive identities policy.\" The platform claimed to have removed all fake accounts identified by \"Which?\" The scam typically occurs when a frustrated customer contacts an airline to resolve an issue. Scammers, often using bots, find these interactions on social media and respond, hoping the customer doesn\'t realize they are being contacted by a fake account. \"Which?\" described a case where a researcher contacted the genuine Wizz Air X account and received responses from two fake accounts. These fake accounts used identical language, apologized for the inconvenience, claimed to have escalated the issue, and asked for a WhatsApp number for further assistance. This is one of the many Wizz Air scams that have been reported recently. Scammers frequently ask customers to send sensitive personal data or direct them to phishing websites to steal credit card details. Some also claim customers are entitled to compensation or ask for a small fee to resolve the issue. \"Which?\" found fake X accounts impersonating major UK airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, Tui, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air. Reporting fake accounts to X has had limited success, as most bogus posts and accounts flagged by \"Which?\" remained active at the time of writing. An X spokesperson emphasized the platform\'s policy against impersonating identities and misleading others. Accounts that pose as another person, group, or organization may be permanently suspended. In 2024, the rise in these Twitter scams has prompted a push for better fake social media profile detection to protect consumers. Airlines are urging customers to be cautious of fake accounts and avoid sharing personal data on social media. An easyJet spokesperson advised customers to follow and engage only with the official @easyJet account, which is identifiable by the gold verification badge for official businesses. They warned customers to be vigilant and avoid clicking on links from other accounts. A Wizz Air spokesperson stated that the airline continues to report fake social media accounts and reminded customers never to share personal details on these channels. They advised passengers to contact customer service via official claims or call centers for assistance.
Zaxby’s MrBeast Cheddar Bite Sold For $25,000; Food Chain Reacts
Zaxby’s swiftly responded to a surprising discovery made by a fan, who stumbled upon a cheddar bite from Zaxby\'s MrBeast Box listed on eBay for a staggering $25,000. The fast-food chain, known for its chicken-centric menu, recently launched its first-ever collaboration with YouTube sensation MrBeast on May 15, 2024, sparking immense interest among customers. Following the launch, enthusiasts began trading various components of the limited-edition Zaxby\'s MrBeast Box on eBay, with some even parting with the box itself for $20. However, one particularly eye-catching listing caught the attention of many—a single Zaxby\'s Cheddar bite purportedly shaped like a \"beast lightning bolt\" from the meal, with an exorbitant asking price of $25,000. Responding to the unusual sale attempt, Zaxby’s took to social media, advising against purchasing food items from online auctions. Their tweet, cautioning against such purchases, garnered significant attention and reactions from stunned fans. Despite the seller\'s audacious pricing, the listing failed to attract any bids. Surprisingly, the listing, which had over nine days remaining at the time of observation, is no longer active on eBay, with the seller\'s entire account seemingly removed from the platform. Whether this was a result of Zaxby’s intervention or the seller’s own decision remains unclear. The incident underscores a recurring trend where influencer-branded products find their way onto online marketplaces like eBay, often fetching exorbitant prices. Recently, after Prime Hydration introduced its Lemonade flavor at a pop-up event, bottles of the beverage surfaced on eBay with price tags exceeding $500, much to the surprise of co-founder KSI. The convergence of influencer marketing and online resale platforms continues to intrigue and sometimes bemuse both brands and consumers alike, showcasing the enduring appeal and commercial potential of such collaborations. Zaxby’s MrBeast Box, in particular, highlights how a simple fast-food item can turn into a coveted collectible, reflecting the power of modern-day influencer partnerships and their impact on consumer behavior.
Elon Musk Looking To Ban Apple Devices In Tesla, SpaceX ChatGPT iOS Integration
Elon Musk has issued a bold threat, declaring his intention to ban iPhones from all his companies in response to Apple\'s newly unveiled OpenAI integrations, announced during WWDC 2024. The Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI executive took to X to express his concerns, asserting that if Apple proceeds with integrating OpenAI at the operating system level, devices from the tech giant would be barred from his businesses. Musk further emphasized that visitors would be required to surrender their Apple devices upon entry, which would then be stored in Faraday cages. Musk\'s statements, however, appear to misconstrue the nature of the Apple ChatGPT partnership. While both companies have assured users that their privacy is respected and that consent is sought before transmitting any inquiries to ChatGPT, Musk\'s comments suggest a deeper skepticism regarding data privacy. Apple\'s iOS 18 is set to enable users to interact with ChatGPT seamlessly through Siri, with the assistant seeking permission before sharing queries and displaying responses directly. This Apple ChatGPT integration promises to enhance user experience by embedding AI assistance directly into the operating system. Despite these assurances, Musk insists on restricting OpenAI\'s capabilities to a standalone app, rather than integrating it with Siri. Responding to assertions from VC and CTO Sam Pullara regarding user consent and data security, Musk dismissed the integration as \"bullshit,\" advocating for a standalone app approach. Even in response to elucidations from YouTuber Marques Brownlee and Apple CEO Tim Cook, Musk remained critical, accusing Apple of compromising user privacy by entrusting data to a third-party AI system. Apple\'s announcement also introduced another integration, enabling users to access ChatGPT system-wide within Writing Tools. While this feature offers convenience to users, Musk\'s objections underscore broader concerns regarding data privacy and user autonomy. This Apple ChatGPT partnership aims to streamline user interaction with AI, embedding it into everyday tools for enhanced productivity. Despite assurances from Apple and OpenAI regarding user control and data protection, Musk\'s vocal opposition underscores lingering doubts about the implications of such integrations. With Apple users potentially gaining widespread access to ChatGPT\'s capabilities, the debate over data privacy and user consent continues to intensify. Musk\'s stance, particularly given his own ventures in the AI space with Elon Musk AI company xAI, amplifies the discourse surrounding the issue, highlighting the need for ongoing scrutiny and dialogue on the balance between innovation and privacy.
Plus Size Influencer Callejas 503 Shockingly Dies, Fans Claim Unhealthy Eating
Plus-sized influencer Edgar Landaverde, known to his followers as Callejas 503, passed away at the age of 37, as confirmed by his family on Instagram to his 82,900 followers. The announcement, made on Thursday, expressed the family\'s sorrow over his untimely demise and thanked his supporters for their love and condolences. The sudden news of Landaverde\'s death left his followers in shock, particularly as he had no known illnesses. Despite the lack of details surrounding his cause of death, speculation arose among some of his followers. Concerns were voiced regarding Landaverde\'s health habits, with one commenter suggesting that his passing may have been related to his lifestyle choices. The issue of Callejas 503\'s weight was a topic of discussion among his followers, reflecting broader concerns about health and wellness. As Callejas 503, Landaverde garnered a significant following on social media platforms, boasting 82,900 Instagram followers and approximately 178,000 subscribers on YouTube. Primarily known for his YouTube content, he utilized his channel to review food joints and share humorous moments from his daily life and travels. Searches for \"Callejas 503 YouTube\" surged following the news, as fans revisited his videos to honor his memory. Expressions of condolences poured in from his followers, reflecting on his impact and presence in their lives. Landaverde was laid to rest on Saturday in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, where he hailed from. The topic \"Callejas 503 dead\" trended on various social media platforms as fans and fellow influencers shared their grief and memories of the beloved content creator. Landaverde\'s contributions to the online community extended beyond entertainment: He voiced frustrations about the lack of support for content creators in his home country. In his videos, he lamented the preference of brands for traditional advertising mediums over online platforms, despite the effectiveness and reach of digital content. His final social media posts, including an Instagram video discussing his motorbike and a YouTube vlog featuring a lunch outing with friends, serve as poignant reminders of his vibrant personality and passion for sharing moments with his audience. In the wake of Landaverde\'s passing, his absence reverberates throughout the online community, prompting reflections on the impact of social media influencers and the fragility of life. His sudden departure serves as a poignant reminder to prioritize health and well-being, underscoring the importance of self-care and mindful living in an era dominated by digital platforms. As followers mourn his loss, they also celebrate the joy and laughter he brought into their lives, cherishing the memories and moments shared through his content.
Instagram Is Most Used App In South Korea, Beats Local Naver
Instagram has widened its lead over Korea\'s top search engine, Naver, in terms of usage hours, according to data from industry tracker Wiseapp. Korean users spent a combined 389 million hours on Instagram in May, making it the third-most used app in the country, surpassing Naver by 46.41 million hours, highlighting the significant influence of Instagram on South Korea. This marks the second consecutive month that Instagram has outpaced Naver. In April, Instagram exceeded Naver’s usage by 13.86 million hours, becoming the third-most used smartphone app in Korea for the first time. Instagram\'s rise as the most used app in Korea underscores its impact on the digital landscape, particularly among the younger demographic. The most used app for the month was YouTube, which lasted 1.8 billion hours, followed by the mobile messenger KakaoTalk, which lasted 565 million hours. Instagram\'s growing popularity places it firmly within the top Korean apps, signaling its increasing importance in the country\'s digital culture. Instagram was also activated more frequently than Naver in May. Korean users launched Instagram 1.78 billion times, while Naver saw 1.43 billion activations, demonstrating the widespread adoption and engagement with the platform. KakaoTalk led significantly with 78.7 billion activations, indicating its entrenched position as a primary communication tool in Korea. Experts attribute Instagram\'s growing presence to the popularity of its \"Reels\" feature, launched in 2021, which has captivated users with its short video format. Reels\' success has solidified Instagram\'s position as a leading social media platform in Korea, appealing to users\' desire for creative expression and engaging content. In response to Instagram\'s dominance, Naver introduced a similar service called Clip in August last year. However, Clip has not yet made a significant impact on Naver’s usage hours or activation frequency, indicating the challenges Naver faces in competing with Instagram\'s established user base and innovative features. As Instagram continues to evolve and adapt to users\' preferences, its influence in Korea\'s digital landscape is likely to remain strong, reshaping how Koreans interact and consume content online.
Influencers With Darker Skin Earn 44.63% Less Than Those With Lighter Complexion: Study
A recent report by SevenSix Agency highlights significant disparities in influencer earnings based on skin color, hair type, age, and follower count, shedding light on the complex dynamics of influencer marketing in the digital age. The 2024 influencer-pricing report examined pay differences between White influencers and influencers of color in the UK, revealing stark contrasts in earnings. Black influencers were found to be paid 34% less than their White counterparts, marking a concerning increase from a 22% disparity in 2022. South Asian influencers earn 30.70% less, Southeast Asian influencers 57.22% less, and East Asian influencers 38.40% less than White influencers, underscoring the systemic inequalities prevalent in influencer marketing. Charlotte Stavrou, founder of SevenSix Agency, has spearheaded efforts to address this racial disparity, advocating for fair pay rates and equal treatment for influencers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. To aid brands in negotiating equitable compensation with creators, Stavrou has proposed utilizing influencer earnings calculators and conducting influencer marketing studies to ensure transparency and accountability in the industry. The report also exposes disparities in earnings based on social media content formats. Influencers with deep tan skin earn an average of $1,187 per reel, while those with lighter skin tones can command $2,142 for the same content, highlighting the influence of skin color on earning potential. Furthermore, there is a notable pay gap linked to hair type, with influencers sporting slightly wavy hair (type 2A) earning $2,191 on average per reel, compared to $1,023 for individuals with extremely curly hair (type 4B), illustrating the intersectionality of race and appearance in influencer compensation. Age emerges as another significant factor shaping influencer earnings, with younger influencers aged 18 to 39 earning 144% more than their older counterparts. This age-based pay gap reflects broader societal biases against older individuals in digital spaces, with influencers aged 40 to 59 earning $1,978 on average compared to $1,592 for those aged 18-25. Additionally, older influencers report feeling marginalized and treated differently on social media platforms, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and age diversity in influencer marketing campaigns. Moreover, the data underscores the pivotal role of follower count in determining influencer earnings, with larger followings translating to higher compensation rates. From feed posts to stories and reels, influencer fees exhibit a substantial disparity based on follower count, ranging from £250-£350 per feed post for smaller influencers to £4,000-£15,000 per post for those with over 300,000 followers. This disparity underscores the importance of follower count as a key determinant of influencer earnings, reflecting the monetization strategies employed by brands to maximize their reach and engagement in the digital marketplace.