The Problem: Not All Advice Is Created Equal
But here’s the catch: popularity doesn’t equal expertise.
Finfluencers come from every background imaginable — from certified financial planners to self-taught hustlers who “figured it out” after watching YouTube videos. And while some truly know their stuff, others might be giving out advice that’s, well… questionable.
That’s because most social-media content is built to go viral, not to educate deeply. Algorithms favor excitement over accuracy. Videos that promise fast money or secret hacks get shared far more than thoughtful, nuanced explanations about risk, diversification, or taxes.
The result? A lot of surface-level guidance floating around online — often missing the boring but essential parts of finance, like long-term planning, risk tolerance, and hidden fees.
According to U.S. Federal Trade Commission data, $2.7 billion was lost in investment scams on social media just in the first half of 2023 — with most victims under 30. But fraud doesn’t discriminate by age. Many older Americans have been caught in social-media money traps, too — from fake crypto “opportunities” to misleading retirement tips.
