I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how social media influencers portray outdoor life, and it’s often so disconnected from reality. It’s easy to get caught up in the perfectly curated images of pristine landscapes and effortlessly smiling faces.What you often don’t see are the hours of editing, the staged photoshoots, the carefully chosen angles that hide the mud, the bugs, the unpredictable weather or just the plain old fatigue of a long hike.
It bothers me as I worry about how this curated image impacts people’s expectations and, frankly, their enjoyment of the outdoors. Someone might attempt a hike thinking it’s going to be a leisurely stroll worthy of an Instagram post,only to be completely unprepared for the actual physical and mental demands. It can lead to disappointment, discouragement, and even hazardous situations.
Then ther’s the gear aspect. It frequently enough feels like it’s more about showing off the latest (and often most expensive) equipment than actually demonstrating how to use it effectively or highlighting more accessible, budget-pleasant options. are influencers genuinely passionate about sharing their love for nature, or are they primarily motivated by sponsorships and endorsement deals that overshadow the actual experience? It makes you wonder.