By Chloe O'Keeffe
We’re nearing the one year anniversary of living in lockdown of some form. It was no surprise when Collins Dictionary announced “lockdown” as the word of the year for 2020. The word was used over 250,000 times compared to only 4,000 in 2019. Many would tell you that pre- Covid they may never had heard of (or used) the word. Yet,
it’s used on the daily by everyone these days. It would be interesting to even see how much it has been used in the start of 2021.
The definition of lockdown according to Collins Dictionary is “If there is a lockdown, people must stay at home unless they need to go out for certain reasons, such as going to work, buying food, or taking exercise.”
So, why is it still a daily occurrence that you log onto Instagram stories, and still see your favourite influencers breaching lockdown and holidaying in the likes of Dubai?
One of the most interesting cases is the This Morning interview that had the whole media world raging when fitness influencer Sheridan Mordew stated that her work was essential, and that influencers are key workers.
Mordew argued her point that the content she puts out (fitness) aids people’s mental health.
That’s fair. Lockdowns have resulted in gyms being closed indefinitely, so many have turned to Instagram lives for their daily dose of workouts. There is no disputing that many do get enjoyment from consuming the content influencers put out onto the internet, be it fitness, fashion or makeup content.
That said, bracketing those who are on the frontline day in and day out is totally unacceptable. Love Island’s Dr. Alex George has been a fantastic role model for fellow influencers throughout this pandemic. Still pursuing is medical career while also being termed an
'influencer'.
We turn to our phones and social media to get away from reality for a moment. Be it, to look at some fashion content, or some baking inspo, or even just a peep into a person’s daily life. We’re all racking our brains for things to do during lockdown. Many have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Not to get into how many lives have been lost
due to the virus. Results show that travelling and mingling increase transmission. It just seems a little insensitive for influencers far and wide to be paying no caution to the wind, and completely breaching Covid guidelines, and going on holidays.
I’m not demeaning the work that gets put into creating content but being an influencer does not make going to Dubai for photos and content an essential trip. In fact, imagine the satisfaction of making inspiring content within just the confines of your house. A lot more
impressive, in my opinion.
Ask anyone what the first thing they’ll do post- Covid is, and a large percentage will say plan a trip abroad. We all miss the sun (or snow perhaps?).
That said, now really isn’t the time to be sunning ourselves anywhere that isn’t our backyard.
