They are four-legged, furry (sometimes feathery), and popular!
They have thousands of followers. They've got the cutest faces. And they are four-legged and furry? In the past few years, social media has swept the world by storm, spawning another type of influencer: pet influencers. These adorable furry beings have become some of the most popular Instagram and TikTok influencers, with millions of followers and deals from major brands. This essay will investigate the world of pet influencers, including their definition, impact on social media, and relationship with their followers.
Pet influencers differ from regular influencers in that they are non-human. They have, however, grown in popularity to rival, if not outperform, human influencers. This is due to their innate cuteness, ability to make people smile, and the fact that they provide a welcome break from the barrage of human influencers on social media.
Pet influencers are creating trends for both themselves and their human counterparts. The rise of pet fashion influencers has resulted in a thriving market for pet accessories and clothing, as people try to emulate the looks of their favorite fluffy celebrities. These animals range from cats and dogs to rabbits and hedgehogs. They are frequently owned by people who share photos and videos of them, emphasizing their cuteness and distinct personalities. Pet influencers have become a popular trend on social media, and many brands are now utilizing them to reach a larger audience.
Social media is riddled with toxic consumption and comparisons, particularly to human influencers' flawless posts. However, with pets, there is no pressure. When you see other people's work, you think, 'Oh, I'm not good enough.' With a dog, you don't feel this way. You just see them living their lives, rolling in the grasses, feeling free, and simply being happy dogs.
However, like nearly every other internet trend, pet influencers can lead to a distorted view of reality, particularly in terms of the tasks and challenges that come with pet ownership.
Pet influencers typically highlight the glitzy parts of their pets' lives. They are shown in fashionable outfits, trendy accessories, and luxurious settings. This content was created to be attractive and shareable. However, it frequently fails to capture the less glamorous parts of pet care. Grooming can be time-consuming, expensive, and cause potential health problems for pets.
A pet influencer's life is far from carefree, despite appearances. Behind every cute photo or entertaining video is a reality in which animals are constantly pushed to perform and entertain. Unlike individuals who choose this lifestyle, pets have no say in their involvement. They are frequently pushed beyond their natural behaviors and routines to meet the needs of an ever-increasing audience.
A constant flow of adorable pet pictures and videos can instill in followers a desire to own a similar pet. sadly, without knowing entirely the commitment required. Some influencers may collaborate with breeders or pet businesses. This indirectly encourages the purchase of specific breeds or goods without taking into account the animal's unique needs and characteristics. As a result, impulse buys and decisions may be made that are detrimental to the pet's welfare. Unethical influencers might choose to create content over the health of their pets. This can include putting animals in uncomfortable situations for the sake of creating an entertaining video or photo. Examples involve dressing up pets in uncomfortable costumes, putting them in dangerous situations, or forcing them to do tricks beyond their abilities.
For example, the need to produce regular content can result in pets being put in unnatural or stressful situations. The pursuit of the perfect shot frequently involves multiple takes, requiring the animal to perform the same action repeatedly. This can cause physical and mental exhaustion, and in some cases, anxiety and stress-related behaviors. Constant contact with camera flashes, big crowds, and unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful for pets, especially those with a more sensitive temperament.
For example, a dog who naturally tilts its head may be prompted to do so repeatedly or in reaction to specific cues, transforming a once-natural behavior into a performative act. This commodification includes the branding of these pets. Many pet influencers sell their merchandise, which ranges from calendars and t-shirts to personalized pet products. While this may appear to be a harmless extension of their online persona, it reinforces the idea that these animals are products rather than sentient beings. They are shaped and reshaped to reflect market trends, frequently at the expense of their well-being.
Another aspect of this trend is the tendency to humanize pets, imprinting human characteristics and emotions on them. While this can create interesting content, it frequently leads to misinformation about the animal's true needs and behaviors. Pets cannot understand fame or the notion of social media; they depend on their owners for their health and comfort. When their instincts are misinterpreted or ignored for the sake of human-like characteristics, a gap can form between the pet's needs and the owner's actions.
Finally, the popularity of specific breeds or types of pets as influencers can lead to questionable breeding practices. There is frequently an increase in demand for breeds that are prominently featured on social media, which can lead to negligent breeding practices focused on appearance in search of the 'perfect looking ball of fluff' rather than health or temperament. So, while we enjoy scrolling through Tucker Budzyn's videos, witnessing Oscar and Karma's shenanigans, and watching Nala the golden retriever happily stomp her way through life, it is important to remember that they do not choose to be internet personalities and that not all pets are the same.
The impact of pet influencers goes above just the animals and their humans. It has a broader impact on people's attitudes toward pets and animals. This trend may contribute to a culture in which animals are viewed as mere accessories or entertainment, rather than sentient beings with their own needs and rights. It can also lead to impulsive pet adoption, in which people seek out a specific breed or type of pet without first considering the commitments and actualities of pet ownership.
