#NoFilter

This chapter made me think a lot about how I have been used as consumer-generated content over the years. I especially recognized this in section two of this chapter as it discussed the #AerieREAL Campaign. I have been a big supporter and consumer of Aerie since I was in middle school. However, I had never really thought about why until I read this chapter.

When I was in middle school, I struggled a lot with comparing myself to other people. This was only amplified by the fact that I had access to social media. I was unfortunately blinded by the use of filters and editing software like many young girls are. On one of the days that I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, I came across a brand that marketed itself as a brand for “real people”. I remember immediately being intrigued by that sentiment. Naturally, I asked my mom if we could please go to Aerie the next time we went to the mall. I was once again incredibly drawn in by their marketing strategy as it continued into the physical store and dressing rooms. I ended up buying what felt like a whole new wardrobe. I ended up unwittingly participating in consumer-generated content because I was so inspired by the brand that I would post myself in their clothes with the hashtag #AerieREAL before I even knew that I was helping them market themselves.

I think this is a really interesting example of this social media strategy being carried out with real people. It proved to be extremely effective on me. Over the years my love for this brand has spread to my family and friends as well. I love that this campaign switched my brain from associating social media with negative thoughts about myself to associating it with a trend that made me feel good. This campaign actually made me want to share myself, and by extension their brand, on the internet. That is something I had never wanted to do before. I am happy to take part in consumer-generated content if it can have such a positive impact on other people's lives. I am glad that this chapter helped me realize the role social media has played in my life. In my opinion, consumer-generated content is a great thing because I now have a brand that I trust, and they now have more loyal and happy supporters.