Many social media users feel a career as an influencer is more desirable than a traditional one.

However, the disadvantages you face when you choose this path may outweigh the benefits. If you look close enough, the sector starts to look unappealing on the inside just as much as it does from the outside.

It's true that those at the top can earn millions of dollars, but this is the exception rather than the rule. The average user who monetizes their content will bring in significantly less depending on the platform, number of followers, method of marketing, and the type of content they are creating.

While there is limited research on what's easier to monetize, many top influencers belong to different genres and that suggests intangible factors, such as how authentic an influencer is perceived to be and how well they communicate and connect with their followers, are the most important keys to success.

On top of an unpredictable income, another disadvantage is volatile job security. Social media platforms use algorithms to sort posts on a user’s feed to ensure that we see content that the algorithm deems relevant to us.

But as this technology advances, it's becoming more difficult than ever to predict what's going to be popular and why. Even well-established content creators struggle to diversify their meet the ever-changing demands.

"As a form of independent entrepreneurship, influencing comes with no regulation, training, or support," wrote a team of researchers from the University of Windsor who study this sector.

"The result of this can be young content creators struggling with physical and mental health issues brought on by cyberbullying and high stress."

However, there might be hope after all. Recently, a new social media movement has emerged in response to the fake materialistic nature of influencer culture, called deinfluencing.

This trend involves influencers discouraging their followers from buying overpriced or ineffective products.

"In response to the desire for authenticity, deinfluencers prioritize genuine content and real engagement over the meticulously curated content and commercial partnerships that are common in traditional influencer culture," Omar H. Fares, who is a lecturer in the Ted Rogers School of Retail Management at Toronto Metropolitan University, explained.