By 2025, the overall number of social media users is anticipated to reach over 4.4 billion, or roughly half of the world’s population, as per Statista.
With the increasing number of social media users, more social media influencers are emerging, and influencer marketing is currently at its peak. However, an influencer’s public social status poses several safety risks which can cause severe potential harm.
What Safety Risks Do Social Media Influencers Encounter?
The dark side of being a social media influencer is the increasing number of safety issues. There are several reasons why social media influencers might need a panic button:
Personal Safety
Social media influencers often have a significant online presence and may attract unwanted attention from online trolls or stalkers. Trolls may harass or threaten them through social media or other online channels. A panic button can help protect them from physical harm by alerting authorities or trusted individuals in the event of an emergency.
Influencers often share personal information on social media, such as their location and daily activities. This can make them vulnerable to privacy breaches, such as identity theft or unauthorized access to their personal data. Influencers may be at risk of accidents while filming or performing, such as falls or equipment malfunctions.
Influencers may be targeted by phishing scams, in which hackers try to trick them into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details. This can lead to financial loss or identity theft. Influencers may be targeted by scams or fraudsters who try to take advantage of their online presence to manipulate or deceive their followers.
Travel Safety
Influencers may frequently travel for work and find themselves in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous situations. They may not be familiar with the local laws, customs, or language, making it difficult to seek help in an emergency.
Social media influencers may be at risk of health issues while traveling, such as food poisoning or illness, if they are not careful about what they eat or drink. They may also be at risk of injury if they engage in dangerous activities while traveling.
Besides, some Influencers may be at risk of accidents while attending events, such as falls or injuries sustained while interacting with fans or participating in activities. A panic button can help them feel more secure while traveling by allowing them to quickly and discreetly alert authorities or trusted individuals in an emergency.
Health & Wellness
Social media influencers may face various physical health issues due to the demanding nature of their work. They may work long hours and have demanding schedules, affecting their physical and mental health. A panic button can help them quickly seek help in a health emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Influencers may be targeted by cyberbullies, who may use social media or other online platforms to harass, intimidate, or bully them. Studies reveal that about 59% of teens in the US have been subject to cyberbullying on social media. This can have severe consequences for the influencer’s mental health and well-being.
Influencers may need help sleeping due to their busy schedules and the pressure to connect online constantly. Lack of sleep can lead to physical health problems, such as fatigue, irritability, and impaired cognitive function.
Personal Safety Tips For Social Media Influencers
It is essential for social media influencers to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect themselves, such as using safety devices and seeking medical attention in the event of an accident or incident. Here are some personal safety tips for social media influencers:
- Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices, and consider using a password manager to help keep track of them.
- Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages: Be wary of emails asking you to click on a link or provide personal information. These could be phishing scams designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
- Protect your personal information: Be careful about what personal information you share online. Consider adjusting your privacy settings on social media to limit the amount of personal information visible to the public.
- Use safety devices: Consider using safety devices, such as a panic button or personal alarm, to help protect yourself in the event of an emergency.
- Stay aware of your surroundings: Stay aware of your surroundings while traveling or attending events, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
- Use common sense: Use common sense when interacting with strangers online or in person, and be cautious of anyone who asks you to meet in person or share personal information.
- Seek support: If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals.
By following these personal safety tips, social media influencers can help protect themselves and stay safe online and in the real world.
How Will A Personal Safety Device Help Social Media Influencers?
A personal safety panic button like Silent Beacon will help social media influencers immediately call their family/friends or authorities for help when they feel threatened. Online trolls may blackmail influencers and threaten them to use their data for illegal purposes. Influencers can directly report them to 911 with just a touch of a button and protect themselves from security breaches.
Besides allowing an immediate mode of communication, panic buttons offer peace of mind to influencers that they are not alone against online stalkers. A highly functional panic button, like Silent Beacon’s, usually works all over the globe. This means that even if you are traveling for work/recreational purposes, you have an added layer of safety at all times.
Panic buttons are fast and offer urgent assistance, unlike alerting the authorities through smartphones which may take several minutes. Besides sending alerts to your emergency contacts, Silent Beacon also sends them real-time GPS locations so your emergency contacts can track you anytime, anywhere, and keep you safe.
