The trend of influencers crying online is part of a broader social media aesthetic that offers a synthetic vulnerability. While these public displays seem to foster emotional connection, they often serve as marketing strategies. Influencers like Trisha Paytas blur the lines between genuine emotions and promotional content, showcasing emotionally charged moments alongside product endorsements. This creates what is termed 'McVulnerability', which appears appealing but ultimately fails to provide meaningful emotional sustenance. Thus, the intimacy they sell is superficial and lacks the depth found in true vulnerability.
Many rack up hundreds of thousands of views. These displays of vulnerability are, of course, not restricted to TikTok. They can also be found on YouTube, Instagram, and other apps.
The weepy confessions are, ostensibly, gestures toward intimacy. They're meant to inspire empathy, to reassure viewers that influencers are just like them.
In my psychology practice, when tears enter the room, they have a way of cutting through the noise. I've seen this happen time and again.
In a post titled 'Reacting to My Sad and Lonely Videos', the YouTube star Trisha Paytas watches old footage of herself sobbing and is moved to tears all over again.
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