Nested Precarities in Influencer Industry.
ANSWER
For this Reflecting assignment, I have chosen to analyze a creator in the online video influencer industry based on the concept of “nested precarities” from the readings by Duffy et al and Glatt. Nested precarities refer to the multiple layers of instability and insecurity that individuals working in the creative labor field, particularly on social media platforms, often experience.
The creator I have chosen to analyze is a popular YouTube influencer who produces content in the beauty and fashion niche. This creator’s online presence includes a YouTube channel, Instagram account, and TikTok profile. They have amassed a substantial following and earn income through brand partnerships, sponsored content, and ad revenue.
Nested precarities are evident in this influencer’s career in several ways. Firstly, there is precarity in their reliance on multiple platforms for income. They are constantly juggling content creation across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, which means they are susceptible to changes in algorithms, platform policies, and audience preferences. If one platform experiences a decline in engagement or a sudden algorithm change, it can have a significant impact on their overall income and stability.
Secondly, the influencer faces financial instability due to the unpredictable nature of brand partnerships and sponsorships. These deals can provide substantial income, but they are often short-term and subject to market fluctuations. The influencer must continually seek out new collaborations to maintain their income, which adds an extra layer of uncertainty.
Moreover, the influencer’s personal life is affected by nested precarities as well. They often invest a substantial amount of time and resources into creating content, which can lead to burnout and a blurred boundary between work and personal life. The pressure to keep up with trends and maintain a consistent online presence can take a toll on their mental and physical well-being.
In conclusion, the concept of nested precarities is clearly exemplified in the career of this online video influencer. Their dependence on multiple platforms, the uncertainty of brand partnerships, and the impact on their personal life all contribute to a complex web of insecurities and instability. This analysis highlights the challenges that creators face in the online influencer industry and the need for a deeper understanding of the labor dynamics in the digital age.
QUESTION
Description
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFLECTING 2 ASSIGNMENT
1. Read the two required texts for week 8.
2. Choose a creator of your choice.
3. Write a statement of around 1000 characters analyzing this creator based on one of the concepts from the readings
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFLECTING ASSIGNMENTS
“Reflecting” are short essays of 750-1000 characters with the aim of relating concepts and keywords (based on readings and classes) with examples from everyday life (such as social media platforms). This is a space for you to deepen some of the in-class discussions and active learning notes that you have been developing. Please write essays following citation guidelines and academic norms.
There will be three Reflecting assignments, with deadlines in weeks 3, 8 and 10 (or Jan 25, Mar 08 and Mar 22). In the week before the deadline, there will be specific instructions on Quercus to guide in detail each of the short essays.
Required reading
Duffy et al – The Nested Precarities of Creative Labor on Social Media