Social media apps such as Tik Tok allow for people to express themselves and enjoy content that appeals to them. Sometimes, people gain a lot of followers, which leads to them becoming “influencers.” Companies often try to appeal to their younger audience by including these creators, which in this case has had an aggravating outcome. 

One of the latest groups of creators rising to fame, the “Hype House,” recently announced that they are releasing a Netflix show. This has stirred up controversy for many reasons; some people who are part of the Hype House are problematic, and Netflix simultaneously announced that other fan-favorite shows have been cancelled.

The Hype House has been viewed as controversial because of their members. Many of the creators refuse to follow COVID-19 guidelines. They are often throwing huge parties in Los Angeles and not wearing masks properly in public. Also, Nikita Dragun, one member of Hype House, has been called out for cultural appropriation and “black fishing.” Black fishing refers to a person darkening their natural skin tone so much that they appear to be Black when in reality they aren’t.

Another complaint from Netflix viewers is about the number of shows canceled to make room for this new content. For example, I Am Not Okay With This was a popular Netflix original series that got cancelled after only one season.

“The show was due to start shooting in May/June and obviously it got delayed. We just realized that to COVID-proof the show was going to cost a lot more money,” I Am Not Okay With This screenwriter Jonathan Entwistle explained. 

Netflix could have decided to better fund their successful shows, or even given a show to people who deserve it rather than the creators of the Hype House, who have continually said offensive things and been irresponsible. Companies featuring big creators like these allow them to further spread their toxicity on the internet.