In an age where a single TikTok or YouTube video can shape the decisions of millions, it’s easy to fall into the habit of letting tattoo influencers do the thinking for us. Whether it’s about health trends, financial advice, politics, or the latest “must-have” product, the influencer economy thrives on trust — sometimes at the expense of truth.
But here’s the thing: your critical thinking is your most valuable asset. And outsourcing it to someone with good lighting, a charismatic personality, and a discount code is a dangerous game.
The Allure of Influencers
Influencers feel accessible. They’re not stiff corporate figures — they speak our language, live lifestyles we admire (or aspire to), and seem like people we could be friends with. That relatability builds trust. And when someone you trust says, “This product changed how my tattoos heal,” or “This product is going to make you a better tattooer,” it’s tempting to take their word for it. I remember in my first few years looking for the magic needles, ink, ointment, and so on.
Later, a more experienced tattooer would tell me “There is no magic product. It’s not what you’re using, it’s how you’re using it.” I tried everything in my ego centric know-it-all younger mind to be right. “He was just older, set in his ways, and it can’t keep up with technology.” The longer I have been doing this along with the older I get; I can see that he was right.
All that said, it amazes me how I see product placement in posts. I got into tattooing to be Punk Rock and stand at the edge of society. That is probably the most un-Punk rock thing. It always makes me think of that scene in Wayne’s world.
Influence ≠ Expertise
Having a large following doesn’t mean someone is an expert. It means they’re good at grabbing attention — a skill that doesn’t necessarily overlap with accuracy or integrity. Many influencers aren’t vetted, trained, or held accountable for the claims they make. And sometimes, their endorsements are driven more by sponsorship deals than sincere conviction.
Even when an influencer believes what they’re saying, they’re speaking from their own limited experience — not from a place of objective analysis.
The Cost of Blind Trust
Misinformation spreads fast, especially when it’s packaged as personal testimony. People have lost money on sketchy investment tips, harmed their health with dubious supplements, or taken poor life advice that doesn’t reflect their reality — all because someone they followed online told them it worked for them.
When you let someone else think for you, you give up control of your own decision-making.
What “Doing Your Own Research” Actually Means
Let’s be honest — “do your own research” is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot, sometimes even by people spreading conspiracy theories. So let’s clarify what it should mean:
- Seek out diverse sources. Don’t rely on one voice or one platform. Look for information from credible outlets, academic research, and subject-matter experts.
- Check credentials. Ask: who is this person, and what qualifies them to speak on this topic?
- Verify claims. If something sounds too good to be true or overly dramatic, it probably deserves extra scrutiny.
- Follow the money. Is someone being paid to promote a product or idea? Transparency matters.
- Stay curious, not cynical. Question everything, but don’t default to distrust — weigh evidence and form conclusions carefully. Contempt prior to investigation is never a good look.
- Go with what you know works
- Ask yourself questions like “If I had a cut off leg would I go to the hospital or would I check my feed on what to do?”
Trust Yourself More
You don’t need a PhD to think critically. You just need a willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and dig a little deeper. You’re capable of making informed decisions without someone else telling you what to think — and that’s empowering.
So next time you’re tempted to hit “Buy Now” or share a hot take from your favorite online personality, pause. Ask yourself “Am I being sold the truth?”