Social Media Influencer Security Risks: A CARVER Risk Assessment

Mitigating Risks with Social Media Influencers: A CARVER Approach

Report Generated by Peacekeeper Insights developed and trained by M. Nuri Shakoor, Global Security Analyst, and NGO AI Solutions Consultant. Powered by Botpress and OpenAI

Executive Summary:

This report presents a detailed CARVER risk assessment concerning the various risks and threats posed by social media influencers. The assessment focuses on eight primary risks that were identified from media sources compiled and analyzed using a CARVER Risk Advisor application by Peacekeeper Insights powered by a customized OpenAI solution trained on the CARVER assessment methodology and relevant case studies and then verified by a human specialist. The identified risks are as follows: Misinformation and Falsehoods, Unrealistic Beauty and Lifestyle Standards, Promotion of Harmful Products or Services, Encouragement of Impulsive or Reckless Behavior, Desensitization to Serious Issues, Privacy Violations, Manipulation of Opinions, and Consumerism and Materialism. And after being checked by a human analyst we also identified Mental Health and Erosion of Critical Thinking as additional risks. Each risk was evaluated across six CARVER factors: Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect, and Recognizability, resulting in adjusted total CARVER scores and probability assessments (Pa value) to identify the most significant concerns and recommend mitigation strategies.

Key Insights and Takeaways:

• High Impact of Misinformation and Falsehoods: Identified as the most critical risk with the highest potential impact, misinformation and falsehoods pose a significant threat to public safety and societal cohesion, emphasizing the urgent need for robust fact-checking mechanisms and media literacy education.
• Vulnerability to Consumerism and Materialism: The promotion of consumerist values by influencers contributes to unsustainable consumption patterns and financial strain, underscoring the importance of advocating for sustainability and financial literacy among both influencers and their audiences.
• Privacy Concerns: Privacy violations were identified as a significant risk, stemming from oversharing by influencers and a culture of reduced privacy awareness among followers. This highlights the need for enhanced privacy education and stricter platform policies to safeguard personal information.
• Risks of Manipulation and Desensitization: The subtle manipulation of opinions and desensitization to serious issues threaten individual autonomy and societal values. Addressing these risks involves promoting transparency, critical thinking, and respectful engagement with sensitive topics.

10 risks identified by Peacekeeper Insights’ CARVER Risk Advisor:


1. Misinformation and Falsehoods: Influencers sometimes promote unverified information, whether intentionally for attention or accidentally due to a lack of research. This can perpetuate harmful myths, conspiracy theories, and unscientific claims.

2. Unrealistic Beauty and Lifestyle Standards: Many influencers portray heavily edited and idealized images of their bodies, homes, and lifestyles. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and pressure on followers to conform to impossible ideals.

3. Promotion of Harmful Products or Services: Influencers may endorse products or services without thoroughly researching their safety, effectiveness, or ethical implications. Followers may end up purchasing ineffective or potentially dangerous items based on an influencer's recommendation.

4. Encouragement of Impulsive or Reckless Behavior: Some influencers, especially those promoting "extreme" lifestyles, might encourage followers to make unhealthy or unwise decisions in the pursuit of excitement or social media clout.

5. Desensitization to Serious Issues: Influencers who trivialize or use sensitive topics as a way to attract attention can desensitize their audience to important issues like poverty, mental health struggles, or social injustice.

6. Privacy Violations: Social media already encourages an oversharing culture, and influencers might promote the sharing of even more personal details. This makes followers vulnerable to having their privacy compromised, potentially leading to online harassment or identity theft.

7. Manipulation of Opinions: Influencers can subtly shape their follower's opinions on social, cultural, or political matters. This can happen without full transparency and make followers more susceptible to biases or targeted propaganda.

8. Consumerism and Materialism: Many influencers focus on promoting products and possessions. This can create a culture among followers where material goods are prioritized over experiences, relationships, or personal values.

9. Mental Health Impacts: Constantly comparing oneself to influencers' seemingly perfect lives can harm self-esteem. This can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

10. Erosion of Critical Thinking: When people rely on influencers as their primary source of information, they risk losing the ability to think critically, research independently, and form their own well-informed opinions.

Details of the information extracted by the CARVER Risk Advisor Assessment Tool

1. Misinformation and Falsehoods

Misinformation and falsehoods are among the most dangerous risks associated with uncritically following social media influencers. While influencers may have large audiences and appear authoritative, they aren't always bound by the same standards of accuracy as journalists or experts. This can lead to a few dangerous scenarios:

Intentional Disinformation: In some cases, influencers might deliberately spread false information to gain attention, align with a sponsor's agenda, or promote their personal beliefs. This can quickly lead to dangerous misunderstandings about health, politics, or social events.


Accidental Misinformation: Even well-meaning influencers can lack the research skills or understanding to properly vet information. They may share an eye-catching headline or rumor without realizing its falsity. Unfortunately, this unintentional spread can be just as harmful as intentional disinformation.


Perpetuating Myths and Conspiracy Theories: Social media's echo-chamber effect magnifies the reach of misinformation. When influencers share unfounded claims, their followers are more likely to believe and further spread them, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of false narratives that can cause very real harm within society.


A famous example of this risk is the Fyre Festival fiasco, where influencers promoted a luxury music festival that turned out to be a scam. The festival organizers were later charged with fraud and the influencers faced lawsuits for misleading their followers[1] [2].



2. Unrealistic Beauty and Lifestyle Standards

The carefully curated world of social media influencers can wreak havoc on our perception of beauty and success. Influencers often showcase heavily edited photos with flawless features and physiques, airbrushed surroundings, and vacations to exotic destinations. This constant bombardment of unrealistic ideals can be incredibly damaging. Followers, especially young people, may internalize these images, leading to:

Feelings of Inadequacy: Comparing oneself to a seemingly perfect online persona can breed insecurity and a sense of never measuring up.


Body Image Issues: The unrealistic portrayal of body types on social media can fuel dissatisfaction with one's own appearance and potentially trigger unhealthy dieting or exercise habits.


Lifestyle Pressure: Influencers often present a luxurious lifestyle filled with expensive possessions and extravagant experiences. This can create a distorted sense of what's attainable and pressure followers to chase an unrealistic version of happiness.


A recent study found that Instagram users who followed more appearance-focused influencers reported lower body satisfaction, lower self-esteem, and higher levels of appearance comparison than those who followed less appearance-focused influencers3. Another study found that exposure to idealized images of influencers’ lifestyles can trigger feelings of envy and dissatisfaction among followers[4].



3. Promotion of Harmful Products or Services

The promotion of harmful products or services poses a significant danger when influencers prioritize sponsorships over the well-being of their audience. Influencers with large followings possess substantial persuasive power, and followers may trust their recommendations without question. The problem arises when influencers endorse products or services without understanding potential risks, long-term side effects, or ethical considerations. This might involve promoting unregulated supplements, misleading diet programs, or even potentially dangerous cosmetic procedures. Followers might be tempted to try these products simply because of the influencer's endorsement, ultimately leading to physical harm, financial loss, or jeopardized emotional well-being. It's crucial to remember that influencers are not always experts, and their recommendations should never replace proper research and consultation with qualified professionals, especially when it comes to health and wellness decisions.

One of the most controversial examples of this risk is the promotion of detox teas by influencers, which claim to help with weight loss and health benefits. However, these products can have harmful side effects such as dehydration, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, and even liver damage [5]. Also, some influencers have also been criticized for endorsing gambling websites or apps without disclosing the risks or their financial incentives.




4. Encouragement of Impulsive or Reckless Behavior

Social media's focus on virality and the constant need for captivating content can create a dangerous environment where influencers push the boundaries of responsible behavior. Some, particularly those promoting "extreme" or highly adventurous lifestyles, may encourage their followers to engage in impulsive or reckless acts simply for the thrill of it or to gain internet fame. This might involve dangerous stunts, illegal trespassing, or harmful pranks that put themselves and others at risk. Impressionable followers, especially younger audiences, may be easily swayed by the excitement and perceived glamour of these actions, leading them to make unwise decisions that can have serious consequences, including physical injury, legal trouble, or social repercussions. It's essential to remember that social media often presents a distorted version of reality, and the potential for fleeting online attention is never worth jeopardizing one's safety or well-being. A notorious example of this risk is the Tide Pod Challenge, where influencers and other social media users filmed themselves eating laundry detergent pods as a prank. This resulted in many cases of poisoning and hospitalization, as well as warnings from health authorities and the manufacturer.




5. Desensitization to Serious Issues

Social media influencers sometimes have a troubling tendency to trivialize or exploit serious issues to capture attention, ultimately desensitizing their audience. When influencers use sensitive topics like poverty, mental health struggles, or social injustice as mere backdrops for their content, it minimizes the gravity of these real-world problems. For example, a wealthy influencer staging photoshoots in impoverished areas for 'aesthetic' purposes or using mental health terms flippantly without understanding their weight can be incredibly harmful. This behavior breeds desensitization—followers may begin to see complex issues as simplistic social media trends or as opportunities for performative activism rather than situations demanding empathy and genuine action. This desensitization can hinder meaningful engagement with critical issues and can even perpetuate harmful stereotypes. A recent example of this risk is the backlash that influencer Logan Paul faced after he posted a video of himself and his friends laughing and joking in front of a dead body in Japan’s “suicide forest”. The video was widely condemned for being disrespectful, insensitive, and exploitative of a serious mental health issue.



6. Privacy Violations

Social media influencers, and the culture they promote, often blur the lines between public and private life. In pursuit of engaging content, they may overshare personal details about themselves, their families, or even their followers. This poses privacy risks in several ways:

Exposure to Harassment: Revealing too much personal information can make influencers and their followers vulnerable to online harassment, stalking, or even identity theft.


Loss of Control over Information: Once personal details are shared online, it's incredibly difficult to regain control over that information and its spread.


Normalization of Oversharing: Influencers can promote a culture where oversharing is seen as normal or even necessary for social media success. This can pressure followers to disclose more than they're comfortable with, further eroding online privacy boundaries


A common example of this risk is the phenomenon of doxxing, where malicious actors expose the personal information of influencers or their followers online, such as their real names, addresses, phone numbers, or bank details. This can lead to harassment, threats, or identity theft.



7. Manipulation of Opinions

Social media influencers wield a surprising amount of power to shape their followers' opinions, often in subtle ways. Unlike journalists or experts, influencers aren't always held to rigorous standards of objectivity. Here's how they can manipulate opinions:

Selective Information: Influencers can frame issues by presenting information that aligns with their agenda while omitting opposing viewpoints. This creates a one-sided narrative that followers may accept unquestioningly.


Emotional Appeals: Influencers are masters of using emotions to influence perception. They might evoke fear, outrage, or excitement to sway followers towards a particular opinion without encouraging critical thinking.


Exploiting Trust: Followers often develop a sense of trust and connection with influencers. This trust can be misused to promote specific viewpoints without followers realizing they're being influenced.


Celebrity Endorsement: Even casual endorsements from influencers can hold significant weight. Followers may be more likely to adopt an opinion simply because someone they admire seems to hold it.


A subtle example of this risk is the use of micro-influencers, who have smaller but more loyal and engaged followings, to sway public opinion on various topics. For instance, some micro-influencers have been hired by political campaigns, corporations, or activist groups to promote their agendas or products without disclosing their affiliations or motives.


Influencers can manipulate opinions on a large scale using these tactics, potentially impacting social and political views, consumer choices, and even cultural trends. It's vital to be aware of these manipulative tactics and actively seek out diverse viewpoints before forming an opinion.




8. Consumerism and Materialism

Social media influencers often function as powerful promoters of consumerism and materialism. Their feeds are filled with designer hauls, luxury experiences, and the constant acquisition of the latest trends. This creates a powerful message: happiness and fulfillment depend on acquiring material possessions. This can fuel a cycle of dissatisfaction in followers, where the constant need for the newest "thing" becomes the driving force, rather than finding joy in experiences, relationships, or personal growth. This focus on material goods can also lead to overspending, impulsive buying, and debt. Additionally, it encourages a culture where self-worth is measured by possessions, perpetuating feelings of inadequacy and social comparison. Ultimately, the consumerism and materialism promoted by many influencers can create a warped sense of values, distracting from the truly important aspects of a fulfilling life. A prevalent example of this risk is the influence of unboxing videos, where influencers showcase and review the products they receive from brands or purchase themselves. These videos can create a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) and peer pressure among followers, who may feel compelled to buy the same or similar products to keep up with the trends or their idols.



9. Mental Health Impacts

Uncritical engagement with social media influencers can have significant negative impacts on mental health. The constant stream of seemingly perfect lives, bodies, and experiences can create a distorted sense of reality, fostering feelings of inadequacy and social comparison. This can significantly damage self-esteem, particularly in vulnerable populations like adolescents. Additionally, the pressure to constantly present a curated, positive image of oneself online can lead to anxiety and the inability to cope with normal life struggles. Fear of missing out (FOMO) and addictive scrolling behaviors can further exacerbate anxiety and depression. Moreover, the online negativity and potential for cyberbullying that can arise from influencer culture can cause real emotional distress and leave lasting psychological scars. It's essential to remember that social media presents a highly filtered version of reality and to actively practice self-compassion and healthy social media habits to protect one's mental well-being.


10. Erosion of Critical Thinking

Reliance on influencers as primary sources of information poses a serious threat to our ability to think critically. When we outsource our analysis and decision-making to social media personalities, we lose the valuable practice of evaluating information for ourselves. Influencers often present opinions as facts, blurring the lines between entertainment and reliable news. This can lead to the acceptance of unverified claims or biased viewpoints simply because they come from a popular figure. Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of social media discourages deep contemplation and thorough research. Instead, it promotes quick reactions and impulsive sharing, further eroding critical thinking skills. This can make individuals more susceptible to misinformation, manipulation, and a diminished ability to form well-informed opinions on important matters. It's vital to preserve our critical thinking by actively seeking out diverse sources, verifying information, and carefully considering multiple perspectives before forming conclusions. A potential example of this risk is the effect of echo chambers and confirmation bias on the information consumption and processing of social media users. By following influencers who share their views or preferences, users may limit their exposure to diverse or opposing perspectives and may uncritically accept or reject information based on their existing beliefs or emotions.

Recommendations for Mitigation:

Enhance Media Literacy: Implement comprehensive media literacy programs to equip the audience with skills to critically analyze and verify the information they consume on social media platforms.


Promote Transparency and Ethical Practices: Encourage influencers and platforms to adhere to transparent and ethical content creation and promotion practices, including clear disclosures of sponsorships and affiliations.


Regulatory Oversight and Platform Policies: Advocate for tighter regulatory oversight of influencer marketing practices and encourage social media platforms to enforce stricter content guidelines to prevent the spread of misinformation and harmful content.


Community and Educational Initiatives: Foster community-led initiatives and educational campaigns to raise awareness about the impacts of consumerism, manipulative practices, and the importance of maintaining privacy online.


Support Sustainability and Value-Based Living: Encourage the promotion of sustainable living practices, financial responsibility, and value-based lifestyles over materialistic pursuits to foster a healthier societal outlook.

Conclusion: Vulnerability to Foreign Malign Influence - Insights from CARVER Assessments

The comprehensive CARVER assessments conducted on various threats and risks posed by social media influencers provide critical insights into society's vulnerabilities to foreign malign influence. By evaluating factors such as Misinformation and Falsehoods, The Erosion of Critical Thinking, and Manipulation of Opinions, this report aims to assess the extent of susceptibility and outline strategic recommendations for mitigation.
Assessing Vulnerability:

The CARVER methodology provided a structured framework to evaluate key risks:

Misinformation and Falsehoods: Exhibited one of the highest criticality and effect scores, emphasizing the risk of foreign entities disseminating false information to manipulate public opinion.


The Erosion of Critical Thinking: Highlighted concern over reduced ability among the public to critically assess information, coupled with moderate recognizability, suggesting challenges in detecting manipulation.


Manipulation of Opinions: Addressed the risk of influencers, wittingly or unwittingly, serving as conduits for foreign narratives aimed at shaping public discourse.
Key Vulnerabilities:

High Accessibility & Impact of Misinformation: The ease with which foreign actors can use social media to spread falsehoods creates a significant vulnerability, particularly when misinformation aligns with the influencers' content, making it appear more credible.


Diminished Critical Thinking: The societal shift towards consuming information without critical scrutiny presents a fertile ground for foreign malign influence to take root, complicating efforts to distinguish between authentic and manipulated narratives.


Influencer Platforms as Amplification Channels: The reach and trust placed in influencers provide an attractive vector for foreign entities to amplify narratives, subtly influencing opinions under the guise of genuine content.

Recommendations for Strengthening Resilience:

Enhance Digital and Media Literacy: Implement national education initiatives focusing on critical thinking, media literacy, and the recognition of misinformation to empower individuals to critically evaluate information sources.


Promote Transparency and Accountability: Mandate clear disclosures from influencers about content sponsorship and encourage platforms to implement stringent verification processes to mitigate foreign entities' ability to disguise their influence.


Strengthen Monitoring and Enforcement: Develop collaborative frameworks involving social media platforms, government agencies, and international partners to identify and counteract foreign malign influence efforts effectively.


Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns: Foster public awareness about the tactics used by foreign malign actors to manipulate opinions and erode confidence in societal institutions, promoting a culture of skepticism towards too-good-to-be-true narratives.


Support Independent Journalism and Fact-Checking: Invest in and support platforms dedicated to fact-checking and independent journalism to provide verified information sources as alternatives to influencer-led narratives.


The vulnerabilities identified through the CARVER assessments underscore the multifaceted risks associated with foreign malign influence in the digital age. Mitigating these threats requires a holistic approach that combines education, regulation, and community engagement to foster an informed, critical, and resilient public. By prioritizing these strategic areas, society can reinforce its defenses against foreign influences aiming to manipulate public discourse and undermine democratic values.




Resources:

NGO AI Solutions By M. Nuri Shakoor. (n.d.). AI-Solutions.mnshakoor.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://ai-solutions.mnshakoor.com/

M Nuri Shakoor, NGO- OpenAI ChatGPT Solutions. (n.d.). www.mnshakoor.com. Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://www.mnshakoor.com/ai-automation-chatgpt-solutions

Peacekeeper Insight. (n.d.). Mediafiles.botpress.cloud. Retrieved March 5, from https://mediafiles.botpress.cloud/b4813481-871a-435e-bc53-f8112605040a/webchat/bot.html

Global Security Research Assistant. (n.d.). Mediafiles.botpress.cloud. Retrieved March 5, from https://mediafiles.botpress.cloud/5328519f-1d9d-46b7-8e29-c6cd040d48e4/webchat/bot.html