Despite it being in the middle of a pandemic, scroll through your social media feed and prepare to see posts full of influencers frequently hanging out and traveling—with no masks or any COVID-19 precautions taken into account. While they claim to advocate for important causes like staying safe during the pandemic, they clearly flaunt the opposite. Their “sincere” apologies are beginning to not sound so genuine anymore. If these influencers are the ones that this generation looks up to, why are they presenting themselves in a way that puts themselves and others at risk?

Based on paparazzi identifications, the widespread effects of the coronavirus has not stopped influencers from their usual behavior. These same individuals have neglected to simply wear masks, making it inevitable that this virus will not go away any time soon. People are suffering from the loss of family members and struggling with economic difficulties, while these celebrities will not stop with their dangerous actions. It truly is not fair for them to have the ability to do this and still be praised, amid the many others who are facing devastating hardships. 

Due to their young audience, influencers have a moral responsibility to be role models and uphold a good image. In fact, their behavior can easily influence their followers to engage in the same activities, believing that it is okay only because “Charli D’Amelio is doing it.” Some celebrities have expressed their opinions on this by taking it to social media. 

“Funny how I haven’t hugged my best friends in six months, and y’all are out here partying,” said popular music artist, Billie Eilish, on her Instagram story. 

In essence, this behavior began in July 2020, when the same group of TikTokers had fun showing off their exciting parties and breaking safety mandates. For instance, a few months ago there was a party in celebration of Bryce Hall’s birthday. For his “thriller” event, he had over 100 guests gathered into the popular content house known as, “The Sway House,” causing uproar amongst viewers. They disturbed their community while inappropriately drinking and dancing—with, as per usual, no masks or social distancing. Although they ended up getting their power shut off by the mayor and expressed their regret, they have still continued to hold mask-free gatherings before the public eye. 

“They apologize, not because they mean it, but only to get people to stop talking about them. If they truly were sorry they would stop going to social events and stay home like the rest of us. These influencers are responsible for being role models for their audiences and all they are doing is showing them that you can do anything you want and you don’t have to care about other people,” said YouTuber Kodee Tyler, also known as Kodeerants. 

Increasing the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus, Charli D’Amelio, Dixie D’Amelio, Chase Hudson, Noah Beck, Bryant, Avani Gregg, and Madi Monroe were all caught fleeing to the Bahamas in December. 

All throughout comment sections, users have expressed their disappointment in these influencers, and the selfish acts they put up for their fans. At this point, many have grown furious, wondering why these individuals cannot realize that a negative test does not completely verify that you can safely travel while people are dying. For some, this was even more appalling especially since Charli D’Amelio, with currently 107.7 million followers on TikTok, has voiced the risks of COVID-19 numerous times on social media.

“If you’re using this time to hang out with your friends since you don’t have school, please, I’m asking you, please stop being so inconsiderate to others… You may think this isn’t going to affect me, or it isn’t that bad. You are putting other people at risk to get hurt and to be in pain,” D’Amelio said in a video.

As this hypocritical behavior seems to consistently transpire, these influencers need to be held accountable and begin to display positive role models for their far-reaching audiences.

Photo courtesy of INSIDER.COM