Topline:
In the final episode of Imperfect Paradise: People vs Karen, we dive into the prosecutor's legal strategy — that Katie Sorensen was an influencer who fabricated a sensational story to go viral. We also explore how "mominfluencers" make money — and sometimes spread misinformation.
Where did mominfluencers come from? They began as mommy bloggers in the early 2000s who primarily wrote about the dark/un-sunny sides of motherhood. Then they took to Instagram and became more image-oriented — and picture perfect.
How do mominfluencers make money? Through sponsored posts and affiliate links that they entice their audience to click/purchase by creating a parasocial bond — the feeling that you really know this person and therefore trust her recommendations.
How do some of them spread disinformation? "I think it's really easy for mothers to disseminate [conspiracy theories] in ways that, like, screaming men on 4chan cannot," said Sara Petersen, author of Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture. "I mean, I trust this woman to recommend child-friendly dinner recipes. Like maybe there's something to it."
Where can I listen?
