Influencers shaping culture, not chasing celebrity status – Gisela
Ghanaian content creator and influencer, Gisela, has weighed in on the growing debate over whether social media influencers should be regarded as celebrities, saying influence today is defined more by impact and connection than status.
With social media increasingly blurring the lines between traditional fame and digital popularity, Gisela believes the rise of influencers reflects a shift in how audiences consume content and identify public figures.
"Social media has definitely changed the meaning of visibility and influence, so it's understandable why many people see influencers as celebrities today," she said.
However, she noted that influence goes beyond recognition and follower counts, arguing that the ability to connect with audiences and shape conversations is what truly matters.
"But I think influencing is more about connection and impact than status. The audience decides who becomes influential, and with social media, creators now can shape culture, conversations and trends in real time," she explained.
As Ghanaian creators continue to gain visibility beyond the country's borders, Gisela attributed her own growth and access to international opportunities to one key factor—authenticity.
According to her, staying true to herself has helped her build trust with followers and create meaningful relationships that extend beyond the digital space.
"I'd say authenticity has been one of the biggest factors behind my growth. People connect more deeply when they feel they truly know and trust you, so I've always focused on building a genuine relationship with my audience rather than just chasing numbers," she said. (Read Gisela: Influencing is legit career)
She added that consistency and being intentional about her personal brand have also played a crucial role in expanding her influence and opening doors internationally.
For aspiring content creators hoping to make their mark in the increasingly competitive digital space, Gisela advised them to prioritise authenticity over popularity.
"Authenticity should always come first. When you're genuinely yourself online, you naturally attract the right audience and build stronger connections with people who truly relate to your content. Numbers are important, but real influence comes from trust and connection, not just visibility," she stated.
Her comments come at a time when the influence of digital creators continues to grow across Ghana and beyond, with brands, organisations and audiences increasingly turning to social media personalities to shape trends, drive conversations and influence consumer behaviour.
