To everyone,
At this point, you should already know who Jen Barangan is; but, if you don’t, then know that she’s an influencer who gained A LOT of popularity after she recorded herself singing along to Olivia Rodrigo with her camera lights on! Backlash from netizens ensued, but what added fuel to the fire was: her apology!
Why Are Fake Apologies A Thing?
In her attempt to address the backlash, Jen issued a public apology that left much to be desired. Instead of taking full responsibility for the inconvenience her actions caused other concertgoers, she opted for a nonchalant tone and offered a very simple statement:
Of course, this apology sparked further discussions about the nature of influencer apologies, which are often seen as performances rather than heartfelt expressions. And it’s not unique to just Jen. So, what’s going on? Here are a few factors that explain why influencers tend to behave this way:
They Choose to Maintain Their Brand Over Authenticity
Influencers often prioritize keeping their online persona well-curated, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Instead of offering a heartfelt and genuine statement, they craft responses that align with their established image. Some even speculated that Jen posted her apology to maintain the “aesthetic” of her Instagram feed, a sentiment many agreed with.
They Misunderstand What They’re Actually Accountable For
If influencers don’t fully grasp the nature of their mistakes, the immediate apology they issue is likely to be generic. A true apology requires an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a commitment to change. Without that understanding, apologies often fall flat.
It’s Becoming Their Pattern: “The Influencer Life Cycle”
If you can name one influencer who hasn’t fallen into the cycle of DO-BACKLASH-APOLOGY-DO AGAIN, then you’re among the very few who have found positive internet personalities. Most influencers follow a predictable pattern: when an incident occurs and backlash arises, they immediately issue apologies but rarely strive to correct their behaviors, leading to the same incidents happening repeatedly.
In the coming months—or perhaps just days—we can expect another influencer to post an apology letter or, worse, an apology video in which they have tears in their eyes. Maybe it’s time for us to not give a damn, but, who will tell them?
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