We need to talk about influencers harassing people (and cows)
Influencers are doing way too much in public, and even farmers, and their cows have had enough.
A story out of the United Kingdom has highlighted just how far some influencers are willing to go for the perfect shot - boundaries be damned.
A Derbyshire man has revealed that he plans to breed less attractive cows after influencers flocked to his farm to take pictures with his Highland cattle.
Alex Birch tells the BBC that his highland cows, known for their shaggy double coats, "don't get any peace" because people use them for social media content.
"I've seen someone filming a yoga video next to them," he complained. Some TikTokers have even tried hugging the cows.
On one occasion, he walked out onto his farm to find dozens of people surrounding his cows with their cameras flashing.
"People just can't understand it when you tell them not to approach them and that the cows might turn on them. They don't think it's a problem, they can't see the danger," he told the BBC.
Birch, whose family have owned highland cows since the 1970s, says he will make them "less photogenic" by breeding with a different hill breed.
What to do when content culture crosses a line
While highland cows aren't common in South Africa, they have been spotted on some private farms.
However, you don't need to be a unique cow to understand that many influencers ignore people's boundaries, especially in public places.
Everything has turned into a content opportunity, and it is starting to disrupt real life, whether you like it or not.
From gyms to coffee shops, no place is safe from your face being captured for a TikTok video without your consent.
Staff, particularly waiters and cashiers, are under pressure too. They have to perform on camera to help influencers get Instagram-worthy shots.
Forget about tips, restaurants should start charging people 'influencer service' fees.
While South African laws allow people to take pictures and videos in public spaces, bylaws may apply in certain locations, especially for commercial photography.
It is also important to note that just because you are allowed to film in public doesn't necessarily mean that you can post whatever you want on social media.
Influencers need to exercise caution, especially when it comes to children. They can also face legal action if they share content that is harmful or defamatory.
Content creation is a full-time job for scores of people in South Africa - many of whom take their work seriously.
They set boundaries for themselves and respect the people around them. However, there will be a few occasions when content culture goes too far.
Here's what you can do when that happens:
- Don't be afraid to speak up: If you feel uncomfortable, politely tell the influencer that you do not wish to be in their shot.
- Do walk out of their frame: Unless you are in a restaurant, sometimes it is just best to avoid the area they are filming in.
- Don't get angry: It is important that you remain calm to avoid escalating the issue. That might give them more reason to feature you in their next viral video. 'Karen tries to ruin my day.' But also...
- Do be a Karen: If you have tried speaking to the influencer and they continue filming you, speak to the manager.
- Don't be anti-influencer: Don't get upset everytime you see an influencer in public, as they are just doing their jobs. Most influencers will stop recording if you ask them.
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