This post was contributed by Leila; a 27 year old body confidence and fitness advocate. She says: I’m passionate about making all women feel confident and find their inner girl power in tackling body image issues. I am also extremely passionate about keeping things real through my social media. I’m your average girl next door that is simply wanting to empower, inspire and educate women around the world.

So letโs have this discussion… I think that it needs to be had; if you have an open profile and a following on social media you have a responsibility. You are responsible for the content you chose to share with your audience, you have the responsibility to provide content within your scope of knowledge but most importantly within the scope of your qualifications.
A few weeks ago there was an uproar on Instagram because a Personal Trainer with a huge following posted that โthereโs no excuse for not being motivated just get it done youโre being lazyโ (or words to that affect).
A number of professionals including myself were extremely taken aback from such a comment! The harsh reality is that there are many people who do have an “excuse” for not being motivated or engaging in exercise! This harsh nature of pushing people and hard talk isnโt right for everyone. There are people with mental health illnesses, eating disorders that simply canโt โget it doneโ but arenโt being lazy. Itโs just not that easy and itโs just not that black and white.
“Fitness, health and exercise is more than a physical ability.” – Leila
However the Personal Trainer in question had a huge backlash from Nutritionists, Mental Health Professionals, other Personal Trainers and Eating Disorder Specialists. With this huge backlash the Personal Trainer who in this case we will call โBobโ then issued a public apology, however my thoughts behind that โapologyโ was that it was more of an โlet it save my image and personal brand.โ
“If โBobโ hadnโt had the backlash and comments from all those qualified professionals then he would have got away with generalising society!” – Leila
Now onto the responsibility, yes he publicly apologised, but shouldnโt he have known better in the first place? Shouldnโt he be more aware about what heโs posting on his profile that has nearly 1/4 of a million of followers? In my eyes I have always said and will always say that if youโre not qualified then you are not in a position to give out content on that topic. End of.
As social media and blogging grows I truly believe that the individual holds the responsibility of what they post. We need to cut down on the few irresponsible individuals who believe they can make money from social media but inform followers without being qualified! Imagine being a qualified Nutritionist but writing content about being a doctor; this is not ok!
I hope you understand where I’m coming from by now? So if youโre someone that has a following, please ensure that you know the facts, that you are qualified enough and that you understand and take responsibility for what YOU are writing and posting. Remember what is in your scope.
If youโre someone whoโs a follower, be mindful of who you follow, make sure that the information you are being fed is correct, accurate and that the person publishing that information is qualified.
Exercises and health is more than just physical, itโs mental too! Letโs always remember that.
You can find out more about Leila over on her Instagram account!
This is definitely a good reminder as you never know who might be reading.
absolutely! and once it’s on the internet, it’s potentially there forever!
We really need to think about the things we say online! As influencers, big or small, we cannot risk saying the wrong thing. It can send someone down the wrong path far too easily.
absolutely! I think so many of us as humans struggle to see things from another perspective y’know.