Influenced

[rookieforever33]

Hating on influencers is a waste of time. It is no different buying hunting gear because you saw an influencer use it, or buy a certain brand of car because you like the race car driver. Or sucumbing to any other advertisement you see while being entertained. We all learn about products through advertising.
I learned the hard way when I was wearing a speedo I saw Michael Phelps win in and the pictures came out of him smoking pot.

 

[Long_roof_94]

I'd say I'm more influenced by what I see at the range and at competitions. Styles, equipment, philosophy, etc. - I'm always intrigued by what guys are shooting, but I admit I'm often taking a step back and looking at their approach for stuff I like and want to mimic. But, I'm also pretty new to competitive shooting sports so I have no experience to base my decisions on other than what I see guys using.

Also, don't really use social media other than forums, Reddit, and FB (mostly just the classifieds). So, without stuff like IG I see very little influencer stuff. I do watch shooting content on YouTube, but mostly technical stuff, not really influencer oriented.