In the new age of digital media and entertainment, influencers and streamers are becoming both increasingly common and popular. Many people flock to these platforms for personal enjoyment, and in turn, those behind the camera gain wealth, fame, and greater opportunities. According to Instagram's policies, mega-influencers can make over $50,000 per post, making it a highly lucrative opportunity. However, this job is not all sunshine and rainbows. Many celebrities experience harassment and stalking and suffer from a general lack of privacy, while the perpetrators become harmfully infatuated with someone they don't know. Thus, despite some influencers appearing content, the parasocial relationships stemming from a lack of digital privacy are highly detrimental to the well-being of both creators and consumers.

One of the most common fears among people is the feeling of being watched. This fear was evident through the widespread outrage over "Insecam broadcasts live streams of dozens of Australian businesses and homes at any given time" (Bongiovanni). This problem not only affects "ordinary" people, but is also especially normalized and detrimental to those in the public eye. In a survey, after participants knew of the violation of their digital privacy, "their privacy concerns increased" (Bongiovanni). Even if someone consents to being perceived at one moment, they may later reconsider their lack of privacy and feel compelled to fake enjoyment in front of the camera for self-protection. In the book “1984” by George Orwell, although the protagonist Winston is not an influential figure, he still felt the need to "set his features into the expression of quiet optimism which it was advisable to wear when facing the screen" (Orwell). This showcases how individuals often find it difficult to step out of the spotlight for fear of reputation and repercussions, creating an endless cycle of putting on an act, increasing fanbase, and being forced to perform even more. 

As for those watching, parasocial relationships are becoming increasingly common and normalized. Many people feel they may know someone through a curated version of them; after extensive consumption, they may swing between extreme love and hate for those figures. Such extreme emotions lead to harmful actions, as seen in actress Emma Watson's experience, where obsessed fans sent her sexually explicit letters, created a countdown to her 18th birthday when she'd "finally be legal", and took photos under her skirt once the day had come. The perpetrators were later arrested and punished for their indecent behavior. In a similar vein, in the movie The Notebook, a character falls in love with a popular girl without getting to know her personally. His obsession got to the point where he threatened his life just to force her hand into being with him. While this example isn’t directly related to online personalities, it shows that extreme emotions towards those unaware of their existence are not only harmful to the victims but to the perpetrators as well. 

Some may say that influencers are aware of their lack of digital privacy, yet choose to continue anyway. In the same survey as mentioned earlier, although users’ overall trust decreased after noting the privacy issues, "15 participants continued to use the device regardless...only three opted to block all outbound traffic to unusual IP addresses" (Bongiovanni). However, despite being aware that their personal information is being tracked, the majority of adults do not understand what happens to their information in the hands of private companies or the government (Auxier), making it difficult for influencers to withdraw from something they don't fully comprehend. Furthermore, many people "find it difficult to associate a specific value to their privacy and therefore, the value of protecting it" (Bongiovani). If all influencers had a thorough understanding of the dangers associated with a lack of digital privacy, many more may feel increasingly uncomfortable with their choices and ultimately leave the platform. A smile for the camera doesn't necessarily indicate enjoyment, and a heart on a video does not necessarily stem from genuine kindness.

Works Cited

Auxier, Brooke, et al. “Americans and Privacy: Concerned, Confused and Feeling Lack of Control Over Their Personal Information.” Pew Research Center, 15 November 2019, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2019/11/15/americans-and-privacy-concerned-confused-and-feeling-lack-of-control-over-their-personal-information/. Accessed 14 May 2026.

Bongiovanni, Ivano, et al. “The privacy paradox: we claim we care about our data, so why don't our actions match?” The Conversation, 29 July 2020, https://theconversation.com/the-privacy-paradox-we-claim-we-care-about-our-data-so-why-dont-our-actions-match-143354. Accessed 14 May 2026.

Orwell, George. 1984. Signet Classic, 1961. Accessed 14 May 2026.