Famous YouTubers, Instagramers, and TikTokers have been known to go to great lengths to gain views and followers, often engaging in dangerous and stupid behavior. This trend has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with many influencers taking risks that put their lives and the lives of others in danger.
One example of this is Trevor Jacobs, a YouTuber who gained notoriety for his dangerous stunts and pranks. In one video, he jumped off a bridge into a river, narrowly avoiding hitting a rock. In another, he climbed a tall building without any safety equipment. While these stunts may have gained him views and followers, they also put his life at risk and set a dangerous example for his young audience. In December 2021, he posted a YouTube video titled “I Crashed My Airplane,” which depicted the moment the aircraft’s propeller seemingly stopped working, and Jacob, the pilot, was forced to parachute out. The Federal Aviation Administration found that Jacob purposely abandoned the aircraft and allowed it to crash into the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California. In May 2023, Jacob signed a plea agreement admitting he crashed his plane for views and a sponsorship deal.
Other TikTokers have also engaged in dangerous behavior for views. In one case, a group of influencers pretended to be in a violent, abusive relationship, which was called out by a YouTuber for being inappropriate and insensitive. In another case, mental health influencers on TikTok have been accused of promoting dangerous behaviors and encouraging young girls to engage in self-harm.
These examples highlight the dangers of social media and the need for influencers to be responsible and mindful of the content they create. While it may be tempting to engage in risky behavior for views and followers, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
In addition to the dangers posed to influencers themselves, their behavior can also have a negative impact on their young and impressionable audience. By promoting dangerous and stupid behavior, influencers are setting a bad example and encouraging their followers to engage in risky activities that could result in serious injury or even death.
It is important for social media platforms to take responsibility for the content that is posted on their sites and to ensure that influencers are held accountable for their actions. This can be done through stricter guidelines and regulations, as well as through increased monitoring and enforcement of existing rules.
Ultimately, it is up to influencers themselves to be responsible and to think carefully about the content they create. While it may be tempting to engage in dangerous and stupid behavior for views and followers, the risks are simply not worth it. By being mindful of the impact of their actions and by setting a positive example for their audience, influencers can help to create a safer and more responsible social media landscape.