Why Introverts Are Struggling in the Age of Influencers and Social Media Fame

It’s funny how much pressure there is to “be seen” these days. We’ve entered this era where being loud, bold, and constantly on display is the new gold standard. Influencers share their lives with an ease that, frankly, feels like they were born to do it. With their curated photos, unboxing videos, and sponsored posts, they’re raking in the fame, the followers, and the money. Meanwhile, here I am, sitting quietly in the background, wondering when the hell the world decided that being loud was the way to go.

As an introvert, I’ve always preferred to observe the world rather than demand a place in it. I’ve invested years learning valuable skills — skills I honed in classrooms, on job sites, and in those late-night brainstorming sessions. I worked hard to be a reliable problem solver, a decent writer, a proficient designer, and even a good communicator in professional settings. I did everything right. But, somehow, none of it seems to matter when I’m staring at my phone, watching a teenager reviewing a $10 bottle of foundation or giving their opinion on a cereal flavor that I didn’t even know existed.

What happened to valuing practical knowledge, or the quiet, steady diligence that’s required in a job? Why does the number of Instagram followers matter more than actual talent? Why is the face…