Week 14: Avoiding Social Media Pitfalls

 It is week 14! Only two more weeks until graduation, and the spring semester is done. 

This week's blog topic is going to be focused on social media pitfalls and an example of an influencer who faced a social media crisis. 

When this topic was initially presented to me, I began to think of the millions of "cancellations" and influencer apologies that I witnessed over the years. One of the main ones that I could think of is Colleen Ballinger, aka Miranda Sings, who faced huge accusations back in 2023. 

It all started with Adam McIntyre, a YouTuber and former fan of Miranda Sings (Colleen Ballinger). This video, uploaded to his YouTube account, recounted the predatory behavior he faced from Ballinger in his teenage years. These allegations included behavior from Ballinger, such as engaging in inappropriate conversations and asking minors sexually explicit questions in fan group chats. 

Now, as if the allegations were bad enough, Ballinger's response incited even more rage online due to her lack of empathy or care towards the situation or victims. Ballinger posted a 10-minute YouTube video titled "hi," in which she sang a song accompanied by a ukulele. Her entire response consisted of victim blaming and not accepting any responsibility for her actions.

As a result, her career was quickly halted with a world tour being cancelled and partnerships ending. Even a cancelled podcast with another online personality, Trisha Paytas, after only three episodes. 4 months later, after her initial "apology" video, Ballinger returned with a new video explaining her actions and apologizing profusely.

This situation underscores the complexities of internet fame and the importance of accountability, especially when interactions involve younger audiences. 

In my opinion, this entire situation surrounding Ballinger was not only insensitive on her part, but it has also permanently affected her online career. Her response has forever become embedded as embarrassing and one of the worst apologies of all time.