Instagram influencers slammed for using coronavirus hashtag for likes and followers
The hashtag on the picture sharing app has garnered more than 372,134 posts
Clout-chasing Instagram influencers have been slammed for using the coronavirus hashtag to draw likes and followers, as the deadly virus continues to claim more lives.
The virus, which has been declared an international public health emergency, has killed more than 400 people and infected more than 24,500 people across 25 countries.
But unbelievably, influencers have been trying to cash in on the crisis and have been slammed for their actions.
Currently, the hashtag on the picture sharing app has garnered more than 372,134 posts and, while many are directly related to the deadly disease, others are clearly intended to attract attention to the influencers' lifestyles.
See snaps below:
View this post on InstagramVibe check. #shenzhen #stevendivish #maskon #wearthemask #coronavirus #hongkong
A post shared by Steven Divish (@stevendivish) on
View this post on InstagramHeroes are forgotten, legends live forever. 7 hours. Be watching.
A post shared by Jake Paul (@jakepaul) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Соня Бучик👄 (@sonyabuchik) on
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Youtube & Fitness (@fitnessoskar) on
While the intention behind the posts is to ask their followers to “stay safe”, many Instagram users said they did not respect the gravity of the situation.
Here is a snapshot of what some people had to say.
Influencers are using the Coronavirus for fame. Jesus Christ, what is wrong with you? Im in Japan which is very close and one of my friends @SnowDragon8 lives in China and I’m very worried about him even when he said he’s fine. So please stop using the dam virus for fame! Okay??! pic.twitter.com/b2NQiJvyIU
— Steve Civillian Admin (@Steve_C_Admin) February 4, 2020
IG influencers using the corona virus situation to sell fashionable surgical masks, I hate this world
— HarlemShakeAtYourWake (@ToastyRamirez) February 4, 2020
There is nothing wrong with taking precautions re #coronavirus. However, there is something very wrong with using it as an excuse to perpetuate xenophobia and racism against the Chinese and Asian population. Also, IG influencers, stop posing in masks to up your following.
— The Whoa Glow Edit (@thewhoaglow) February 3, 2020