Social Media It-Girls
How authenticity can bring about internet stardom
By Jessica Katz, Online Editor
What you see on social media isn’t always what it seems. Many influencers do whatever it takes to get the numbers, meaning their success often stems from ingenuity and negativity. Sometimes, and it’s rare, influencers have a certain spark that attracts a wide audience without the added tricks. Simply put, their personalities resonate with viewers.
Victoria Paris, or @victoriaparisf on TikTok, has quickly risen to fame all over social media, growing 1 million TikTok followers in nearly four months (Sundberg, 2021). Her secret? Paris records as much of her life as possible, posting 20-30 times a day. Most of the time, viewers see her in her New York City apartment bedroom, sitting in front of the camera and talking or showing off her outfits.
There is magic to Paris. Viewers love the romanticized New York City lifestyle, her wild nights with influencer friends and her unique style. But in all of the glitz and glam, there remains this aspect of relatability. Paris aspires to “Big Brother” her life, recording herself from the minute she wakes up (Sundberg, 2021). She’s an open book — no filters, no editing, no secrets. Paris talks about dating, college life and her tips for internet stardom. She is the boss of her own brand and takes complete control over her content, and that is only the beginning of how she’s become the newest social media it-girl.
Another notable example is Emma Chamberlain. She has clearly demonstrated the power of online communication, as in 2019, Time Magazine named her one of the Top 25 Most Influential People On the Internet (Haworth, 2020). Starting her YouTube channel as a high-school teen, Chamberlain gained a large following in only two years with her unique online presence and strong connection with her viewers.
Chamberlain doesn’t film her life 24/7 as Paris does, her content has a similar effect. Watching her drive around Los Angeles or make coffee in her home feels like hanging out with a good friend. She’s maintained this delicate balance of being relatable to her viewers while living a life her viewers envy. Her authenticity shines through any content she produces.
Chamberlain has stated her love and admiration for it-girl Devon Lee Carlson. At only 17, she and her sister Sydney launched their now well-known brand, Wildflower Cases (Dominguez, 2021). Now, Carlson is not only an entrepreneur but also the face of numerous Pinterest boards. She has the lifestyle and wardrobe viewers envy. In fact, she’s dating a rockstar — Jesse Rutherford from The Neighbourhood. But behind the lavish tropical vacations, celebrity friends and closet full of vintage designer finds is a sweet, down-to-earth girl.
Carlson is the jack of all trades; she’s a trendsetter, model, entrepreneur and role model for young girls. And like the other social media it-girls, she’s authentic.
Victoria Paris, Emma Chamberlain and Devon Lee Carlson have proven that you don’t need to fake your way to success. Despite consistent hate and the pressure of cancel culture, they’ve shown that being genuine to who you are and the life you live can get you far.
Sources:
Sundberg, Emily. 2021. “Victoria Paris Wants to Big Brother Her Life.” Interview.
Haworth, Maia. 2020. “Emma Chamberlain: Social Media It-Girl.” Medium.
Dominguez, Tatiana. 2021. “It Girl” Devon Lee Carlson.” Unpublished Magazine.