As someone who’s been alive long enough to know a time before “influencer” was a job, gather round kids, unc has some complaining to do.

Before influencer, it’s not that we didn’t HAVE influential people, or celebrities, or models, or whatever.

But we didn’t have an entire economy that was literally and unabashedly dedicated to “cool people who try to convince you to buy things because they’ve used them or maybe used them.”

Maybe that’s why, when I see things like this, I have a hard time feeling the same kind of empathy I might otherwise.

It comes to us from TikTok user @cmcoving:

“Um, hi guys. This is my 4th time recording and I just don’t know how I’m gonna tell you guys that…”

“Um, I just, I’m not gonna be able to post fall videos this year. It’s just a lot of pressure and, um, it’s just a lot of pressure to like make each video better than the last to like make each fall trip better.”

“Um, and I just really need a break this year and I’m really sorry.”

No tears needed. We get it.

Take a break. You’ve earned it.

Maybe.

@cmcoving

This is the hardest post I’ve ever had to make 💔 will post another update soon…

♬ original sound – @cmcoving

Many mourned the fall of Fall itself.

But she did see some real support.

Then there’s this classic line.

And this take…

That last thread actually brings up an interesting point. I’m sure it IS a ton of work to produce this much content, and even more work and more pressure to keep up all the appearances necessary to make any of it function.

But isn’t that kind of the point?

How did we get here? How did we reach the point where we’re working full time to turn our own real lives into reality TV and endless advertisements?

Why are we worrying about going on a cool trip and not being able to enjoy it because we’re too exhausted to make a mini-documentary about your life?

There’s no way this can be healthy, and I don’t think it should be aspirational.

Now get off my lawn.

If you liked that story, check out this video about a Dollar Store cashier who has had it with customers who argue over $4 products.