I am officially over the Influencer.
I am sick of the carefully curated brands, the staged morning routines, and the digital shrines people build to honor versions of themselves that don't actually exist. If I see one more aesthetic presented as a substitute for a soul, I’m going to scream.
We’ve traded our humanity for a narrative. We’ve turned our lives into products to be sold, using filters to sand down the edges of what makes us real. But a persona isn't a person. And frankly? I’m done buying what they’re selling. It’s time to stop performing and start living.
We’ve been told that to have a brand, we need to be a polished product. But in 2026, the most radical thing you can be isn't a brand. It’s a person. A whole messy human being.
The problem with a persona is that it requires constant maintenance. It’s a 24/7 job that pays in a currency (likes and follows) that doesn't actually buy happiness. When you live for the grid, you’re never fully present in the room. You’re looking at your life from the outside in, wondering if the lighting is right instead of wondering if the moment is meaningful.
Sitting on the sidelines? Consuming 'curated vibes' is like trying to eat a photo of a meal: you’re going to end up hungry and frustrated. We’ve been convinced that the 'good life' is something we can buy, do, or perform into existence. In reality, we’re just being sold a script by someone who’s getting paid to play a part. It’s time to stop trying to live someone else’s commercial.
Let’s be fair: not every persona is a lie, and not every influencer has sold their soul. But for the vast majority? It’s a performance. It’s a stage play that has started to bleed into our own living rooms, making us feel like our real lives are just 'bad takes.' I’m done with the rehearsals. Choose to show up messy. Choose to show up unfiltered. Give yourself permission to be a human being instead of a polished brand.
We’ve traded real-world wisdom for algorithmic 'advice.' It’s time to pivot back. Lean on the people who actually know your name. Stop scrolling for 'hacks' and start looking across the dinner table. If you want real wisdom, ask your elders for the life advice that actually stands the test of time. If you want a style evolution, raid your friend’s closet or ask for her honest take. If you want to level up at work, have the 'uncomfortable' conversations with your colleagues about worth and wages. Our best influencers aren't on our screens—they’re in our circles.