Irra Tariq joins us from Pakistan to speak about the impact of social media on Pakistan, both internally and externally. We discuss community building, destigmization, and calls towards progress demonstrated online by the youth of Pakistan. 

T/W at end* Henry and I discuss everything under the sun; from consumerism through social media to tokenism in the fashion industry. We question the impact of algorithms on othering, the amount of agency social media users have, and way social media and mobile devices have affected the way we communicate. We dive into the darker more disturbing areas towards the end; see trigger warning!

TRIGGER WARNING: *Talk of online Predators and Pedophilia from 1:29-1:36

Eli Kravetz, NYU Tisch graduate, ex-YouTuber, and current gaffer, shares his experience with creation. From living in a YouTube house as a chef, to working as a PA at Netflix, Eli shares what its like working social media content creators to professional film studios. We talk about the differences between making YouTube videos versus TV/film; traversing questions such as: who needs to be involved? How is the shoot structured? What is the impact of the creator on the product?  What is the impact of the product on the audience? 

Flynn McGarry, star of Hulu Documentary “Chef Flynn” and owner and head chef of the Gem Restaurant in NYC, talks about being put in the spotlight at a young age and the effect it had on his ability to process and grow into an adult. We discuss the creation of pseudo- experts and perpetuation of unrealistic goals and expectations created through social media.

Indie artist @anees brings us into his world, sharing his thoughts on traditional vs digital media, the grind of a self-promoting artist on social media, and his philosophy on finding, and maintaining, happiness. 

T/W PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION: @averagefashionblogger, Courtney Parchman, and I discuss our concerns with kids content, the intricacies of influencer drama, the world of content creation and living in a cancel culture. Some sensitive topics discussed: **TRIGGER WARNING: talk of suicide minute 26:30-29** Video Podcast available on YouTube

@lilly.axe and I talk about the need for social media for anyone aspiring performers and artist; the benefits it can do for your career, and the negatives it can have on your psyche. Video Podcast on Youtube.

Tiktoker @seanmillea_ joins us to talk about his various experiences with virality-- from being a victim of internet trolls to becoming a leader of a meme cult. 

 A quick introduction and welcome to Under The Influence with your host, Michelle. On this podcast, we talk to multiple social media users with the goal of better understanding their relationship with social media, and the role it plays in their lives. We look forward to meeting with you every Monday, and hope you follow us on YouTube (Under The Influence Podcast) and Instagram (@undertheinfluence.podcast) to keep connected until then.