The Addison Rae Interview: Are We Too Quick to Judge Influencers?

Are We Ready to Forgive Influencers? A Look at Addison Rae and the Complexities of Online Fame New York City, June 3, 2025 – A recent New York Times interview with influencer Addison Rae has sparked a conversation about the public's perception of online fame. The interview highlighted Rae's early career strategy of posting frequently, often focusing on her physical appearance to gain a large following. This has led to a discussion, as explored in a recent TikTok video by Rachel in a real way (@rachelinarealway), about the resentment some feel towards influencers who achieve success primarily through their looks. "The idea of betrayal from people who use TikTok to gain opportunities has fascinated me," says Rachel in her video. She continues, "There's a resentment of people who grew on TikTok, pivoted away from it, and then became successful in other areas." The video suggests that this resentment stems from a perceived lack of substance or depth in the influencer's initial rise to fame. The video raises questions about the public's expectations of influencers, comparing them to reality TV stars. The author points out the cyclical nature of reality TV casting, where new faces are constantly introduced to maintain audience interest. In contrast, the video argues that influencers are individuals with multi-faceted goals, using their platforms to pursue diverse opportunities. The discussion highlights the complexities of online fame and the evolving relationship between influencers and their audiences. It prompts reflection on the value placed on appearance versus talent and the lasting impact of an influencer's initial online persona.