A mirage of social media success

In today’s digital age, the allure of making money through social media has captivated the aspirations of countless young individuals.

Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok offer seemingly endless opportunities for fame and fortune, tempting many to consider dropping out of school to become an influencer or content creator.

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But this path is not without its risks and dilemmas.

The rise of social media has reshaped traditional notions of success and career paths.

With stories of overnight sensations achieving fame and wealth through viral content – people like Atlegang Songo, Lerato Nxumalo and even Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali or Prince Dube (better known as PD Jokes) – it’s easy to see why some young people are drawn to the idea of abandoning their studies to chase online stardom.

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The prospect of earning a lucrative income and living a glamorous lifestyle can be enticing, especially for those facing academic challenges or unsure about their future career prospects.

Even for those of us who finished matric and went to university, we can’t really say it has worked in our favour.

I go onto social media every day and look at people younger than me driving cars I can only dream of. So at some point, working hard just seems like a setback.

Then there are the number of graduates who cannot find employment.

But for all these youngsters, the moment they look at social media and see content creators such as Thando, Paballo, Sasha Domnikov and even the likes of Baby Jelly, who was recently flaunting an apartment and a car less than a year from doing dance gigs, it’s hard not to imagine that is the life they want, too.

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I can list all the negatives of working hard, from longing for a side hustle that can help me keep up with the cost of living in this country, to many companies refusing to allow their employees to have a side hustle because… goodness knows why.

Still, the idea of pursuing a career on social media does not come without its own challenges. Success is far from guaranteed.

The market is oversaturated with aspiring influencers vying for attention, making it increasingly difficult to stand out from the crowd.

Moreover, the ephemeral nature of online fame means that today’s viral sensation could easily be forgotten tomorrow, leaving a trail of unfulfilled dreams and financial instability.

Furthermore, the decision to drop out of school comes with significant trade-offs.

A lack of academic credentials can limit one’s options and prospects in the long run.

Without a solid educational foundation, individuals may find themselves ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of the professional world outside of social media.

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Moreover, the fleeting nature of online fame means that influencers must constantly reinvent themselves and stay relevant to maintain their audience’s attention.

This relentless pursuit of likes, views and followers can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and burnout.

In an industry where success is often measured in numbers, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming, leaving little room for personal growth and self-discovery.

By combining academic pursuits with entrepreneurial aspirations, individuals can strike a balance between their passion for social media and commitment to personal and professional development.

True fulfilment lies not in fleeting moments of fame, but in the journey of self-discovery and continuous learning.