Influenced The impact of social media on our perception

In this volume, the author--supported by ringing endorsements from recognizable influencers--promises to "unpack what happens to our brains and our behaviors" when we engage influencers online. As a media psychologist, this reader's core concern is that the volume features very little theory or scholarship, instead relying mostly on personal anecdotes, newspaper content, and influencer opinion. When theories are discussed (e.g., parasocial relationships), they are more pathologized than described. Although written for general audiences (albeit issued as part of the publisher's "Social Science, Media Studies" series), the book fails to unpack state-of-the-science nuances--thus missing an opportunity to translate scholarship for broader impact. For example, emerging work from the Oxford Internet Institute that challenges presumptions about the size and stability of technology effects is not discussed, and myriad theories related to computer-mediated communication are conspicuously absent. That said, the book is remarkably well written and the author's experiences should not be discounted. Moreover, the text deftly gathers and represents newsworthy events and anecdotes in an accessible manner. Still, given the growing body of scholarship on social media uses and effects absent from this volume (notwithstanding the voices of some expert scholars among those cited or interviewed), the book unfortunately falls short of "pull[ing] the curtain back" (p. xi) on social media influence. Summing Up: Not recommended. --Nick D. Bowman, Syracuse University

This engaging, eye-opening book covers everything anyone would ever want to know about social media influencers. Boxer Wachler (Perceptual Intelligence, 2017) is a surgeon, social media luminary, and overall astute observer. He started creating medical videos that catapulted him to influencer status, and here shares how this virtual fame has affected his life. He explains how dopamine highs affect social media addictions, and explores the emotional, intellectual, and psychological powers often wielded by influencers, backing up his accessible observations through research, statistics, and plenty of anecdotes featuring online notables. He exposes ploys (beauty filters, deepfakes); applauds affirming messages of support and calls for social action; and laments backlashes like uninformed, automatic endorsements, cancel culture, shaming, and damaging, even lethal, copycat actions. Boxer Wachler covers many types of social media content, and provides thoughtful commentary on influencers who specialize in sex, violence, and other areas he calls "sinister." Boxer Wachler also includes helpful advice on how to become a successful influencer. His final observation? Social media is here to stay, and it influences everyone, even individuals who have no online involvement. Readers will appreciate both Boxer Wachler's entertaining style and his enlightening insights.