In the age of social media, influencers have become the new celebrities. With millions of followers, lucrative brand deals, and the power to shape trends, their lives seem glamorous. But behind the perfectly curated posts lies a world of controversy, scandals, and reckless behavior—welcome to “InfluencersGoneWild”.
From dangerous stunts to public meltdowns, influencers constantly push boundaries for attention, often with disastrous consequences. This article dives into the most shocking cases, the psychology behind their behavior, and the impact on their audiences.
The Rise of Influencer Culture
Before we explore the wild side, let’s understand how influencer culture exploded. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube turned ordinary people into global stars. Brands quickly realized that influencers could sell products better than traditional ads, leading to massive sponsorship deals.
But with great influence comes great irresponsibility. Many influencers, desperate to stay relevant, resort to extreme behavior—whether it’s faking scandals, engaging in illegal activities, or risking their lives for clicks.
Shocking Cases of #InfluencersGoneWild
The Tide Pod Challenge (2018)
One of the earliest examples of influencers promoting dangerous behavior was the Tide Pod Challenge, where people filmed themselves biting into laundry detergent pods. Despite warnings from poison control centers, influencers like Antonius Carey (who later apologized) participated, leading to hospitalizations and even deaths.
Logan Paul’s Suicide Forest Video (2018)
YouTube star Logan Paul faced massive backlash after posting a video from Japan’s Aokigahara Forest (known as the “Suicide Forest”), where he filmed a deceased individual. The video sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of exploiting tragedy for views. Though he apologized, the incident remains one of the darkest moments in influencer history.
Belle Delphine’s “Gamer Girl Bathwater” (2019)
Internet personality Belle Delphine took shock marketing to a new level by selling her “GamerGirl Bathwater” for $30 per jar. While some saw it as a clever business move, others criticized it as a scam. Surprisingly, it sold out, proving that influencers can monetize even the most absurd ideas.
Danielle Cohn: The Underage Influencer Controversy
Danielle Cohn, a TikTok star, has been accused of lying about her age to promote risqué content. Allegedly, she was as young as 12 when she posted suggestive dances and claimed to be 15. Her mother allegedly enabled this behavior, sparking debates about child exploitation in influencer culture.
The “Bird Box Challenge” (2019)
After Netflix’s Bird Box became a hit, influencers started the #BirdBoxChallenge, where people blindfolded themselves and attempted daily tasks. This led to injuries, including a teenager crashing his car while blindfolded. Netflix had to issue a warning against the trend.
Bryce Hall’s COVID-19 Party (2020)
During the pandemic, TikTok star Bryce Hall threw a massive house party, violating lockdown rules. The event led to his house being red-tagged by the LAPD, and he faced severe backlash for endangering public health.
The Fake Kidnapping Prank Gone Wrong
Influencers Monalisa Perez and Pedro Ruiz III staged a gun prank where she shot him (supposedly with a book blocking the bullet). Tragically, the gun was real, and Ruiz died. Perez was charged with manslaughter, highlighting the deadly consequences of clout-chasing.
OnlyFans Leaks and Revenge Porn Scandals
With the rise of OnlyFans, many influencers have faced leaks of their private content. Some, like Tana Mongeau, have turned leaks into opportunities, while others have suffered emotional distress. Worse, some influencers have been accused of revenge porn, sharing explicit content without consent.
Fake Giveaways and Scams
Influencers like Faze Kay and Redgum have been accused of running fake giveaways, where they promised prizes to followers but never delivered. This has led to lawsuits and loss of credibility.
The “Devious Licks” TikTok Vandalism Trend (2021)
Students across the U.S. started stealing and vandalizing school property, inspired by TikTok’s #DeviousLicks trend. Schools reported thousands in damages, and many influencers who promoted the trend faced suspension or legal trouble.
Why Do Influencers Go Wild?
The Pressure to Stay Relevant
With algorithms favoring engagement, influencers feel pressured to constantly outdo themselves. This leads to riskier content, as seen in extreme challenges and stunts.
Financial Incentives
Controversy = clicks = money. Many influencers know that scandals boost their earnings, even if it’s negative attention.
Lack of Accountability
Unlike traditional celebrities, influencers often operate without PR teams or ethical guidelines. This leads to impulsive decisions.
The “Clout Chasing” Mentality
For some, fame is an addiction. The more outrageous the stunt, the more followers they gain—even if it’s for the wrong reasons.
The Impact on Followers
- Normalization of Dangerous Behavior: Young fans mimic risky stunts, leading to injuries.
- Mental Health Effects: Unrealistic lifestyles promote anxiety and low self-esteem.
- Exploitation of Minors: Underage influencers are often pushed into adult content for profit.
- Erosion of Trust: Fake giveaways and scams make audiences skeptical of all influencers.
Conclusion
While not all influencers engage in reckless behavior, the #InfluencersgoneWild trend highlights a growing problem. Social media platforms struggle to regulate harmful content, and audiences must think critically before idolizing online personalities.