The Reference Shelf: Influencers

The attention economy has evolved from a fringe economic interest in the budding Digital Age to become a pillar of the modern media and economic system. Around the world, micro and macro celebrities trade the interest they are able to generate on social media into real-world benefits. Often called "influencers," these performers and media manipulators are essentially traders in the information economy, selling data to corporations in return for rewards. They also shape U.S. and global culture both by helping to strengthen corporate control over algorithms and shifting interest with regard to pop cultural issues and various products. Influencers can champion small-time creators and can help to popularize trends and new innovations, but they have also inspired debate and criticism as Americans and global internet users debate the degree to which social media influence should be considered a profession and the value that this digital role brings to the global media environment.