The latest gossip swirling around influencers Tammy Hembrow and Darianka lounging in swimsuits on sun-soaked beaches is less about empowerment and more akin to the empty calorie diet that corporate media serves us daily. Why are we expected to idolize vapid images while ignoring serious cultural conversations? The reality is that outlets like E! News and TMZ spin this narrative to distract us from the more pressing issues in society—issues they rarely cover with the same enthusiasm.

Take a look at how mainstream media hypes these influencers. CNN and Fox News both love to cherry-pick sensational stories that keep us glued to our screens, but heaven forbid they question the impact of influencer culture on body image or self-worth. The article sheds light on the latest “trends,” but just a few clicks on a news app shows us that both sides are not just all too willing to play along but actively curating a culture that thrives on superficiality.

While the public is busy liking and sharing these photos, critical discourse about the impact of glamorized lifestyles is drowned out. Influencers may want to don their sexy swimwear, but we need to start peeling back the layers and questioning who truly benefits here. It’s time we stop idolizing superficial trends and demand a media landscape that prioritizes substance over flash.