In a world where virality can change a life overnight and influencers dominate every digital corner, it’s easy to get swept up in the gloss of curated content. But beneath the surface lies a complex, often troubling reality, one that demands our attention.
While the influencer industry has opened doors to careers and creativity, it also harbors a darker side: toxic dynamics, blurred boundaries, and psychological tolls that affect both audiences and creators. Understanding these layers isn’t just enlightening, it’s essential for navigating a digital landscape that’s not going anywhere, only evolving.
These books are a reminder that behind the glimpses and glamorous picture-perfect content, the influencer industry is sometimes complex — and acknowledging both the good and the ugly sides helps create a better digital space for us all.
You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto
When rising social media star Aspen Palmer’s seemingly perfect life starts to crumble, she has no idea someone from her past is behind it all —until things take a dangerous turn. This book is a dark story about two influencers turned best friends turned enemies who are willing to pay any price to keep the perfect life and social media fame.
Hate Follow by Erin Quinn-Kong
Influencer Whitney Golden’s teenage daughter sues her for invasion of privacy; their wonderful picture-perfect life unravels to become a public spectacle. This is a thought-provoking story about family, consent, and the ethical complexities of social media influence.
Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter
During a live stream session, a former child star Evie went missing and to find her, her sister Hazel must navigate the complicated situation and online chaos. This novel digs through the dark side of social media fame and the complexities of sibling dynamics.
Under the Influence by Noelle Crooks
Harper lands a dream job with an enigmatic influencer; she becomes part of a whole new world, but beneath the surface lies a darker reality about what it really means to be a #GirlBoss. This novel gives you a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes of an influencer’s life.
People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd
As Emmy, a popular Instamum influencer, success grew, so did the issues in her marriage and the threats her family experienced. This psychological novel explores the dark side of influencer fame, the dangers of parenting online, and the lengths we’ll go to be liked by strangers.
**Bonus
Allow Me To Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabinelli
This book will make you sit up and think about all those “innocent” pictures that are posted. Who owns the right to your image? And what if you are a child? Can you say no? And what happens when you do?
Something Bookish Curators are always on the lookout for the next great read to add to your #TBR. Whether it’s a backlist gem, a breakout debut, the book everyone will be talking about next, or a beloved classic, we’ve got recommendations you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation and read along with us on social!
