#UnderTheInfluencer - Influencer Mum says she would NOT recommend industry to her kids
Georgina Knapp has told us the job isn't as glamorous as some would think
Last updated 6th May 2021
A Mum of three children, who's also an online Influencer, has told Hits Radio that she "categorically" wouldn't recommend the industry to young people.
Georgina Knapp has more than 20,000 Instagram followers, posting regular fashion content.
We have spoken to the Swindon resident to conclude our #UnderTheInfluencer campaign.
'I didn't set-out to be an Influencer'
When asked whether she would advise her own three children to become Influencers, the 41-year-old said: "I can quite categorically say no.
"I'm actually sometimes ashamed to say I'm an Influencer, because I didn't set-out to be an Influencer.
"There is some hard work that goes behind it, in terms of taking your photograph and doing the set-up. But in terms of wanting to do good and influence people, I think there are much better positions in society than being an Influencer".
'Sometimes you don't even get paid'
Georgina's Instagram account is a part-time gig - she calls running the family home her "main job".
Whilst she often receives cosmetic and fashion products for free, with the caveat that she promotes the items to her following, the Influencer says a much larger online presence is required to make it a full-time job.
"Sometimes you don't even get paid to do what you do. You just get gifted the items.
"To actually get money from it - that doesn't happen all the time anyway. You need to be up to may be a million followers, before you can actually make a living from Instagram," Georgina added.
#UnderTheInfluencer
Over the past week, Hits Radio's #UnderTheInfluencer feature has investigated the industry's pitfalls - for its producers and consumers alike.
Our News Team has been raising awareness of issues that the industry faces regarding mental health, editing images and false advertising.
A wider movement has seemingly gathered momentum on Instagram over recent months, encouraging users to offer a genuine reflection of their life on the platform.
One widespread criticism of Influencers, many of whom host their content on Instagram, is that their idyllic content is often a complete disparity to the lifestyle of their followers.
Personal care brand Dove has now launched its own initiative on the matter.
#NoDigitialDistortion highlights a report in America, which claims that 80% of girls doctor their online appearance by the age of 13:
When contacted by Hits Radio, bosses at Instagram said the platform takes the wellbeing of its community "seriously", and is committed to making the site "a positive place for everyone, especially younger people".
A statement from Facebook, which owns Instagram, added: "We work closely with youth organisations, like The Mix in the UK, to better understand how we can help reduce pressure on the platform".
You can catch-up on our entire #UnderTheInfluencer campaign here.