Your favorite influencers don't owe you anything

Fans of Aspyn Ovard were surprised when it was revealed that she had filed for divorce from her husband. But many were even more shocked when, for months, she didn't address it in her online content at all.

The influencer recently explained that the reason she hasn't addressed the situation publicly is because she wants to protect her children and maintain her family's privacy as much as possible. Many were understanding of this. Others, unsurprisingly, were not.

The biggest issue involving content creators and influencers is their complex relationship with their fans and followers as they grow. Content creation of any kind involves building a loyal audience, and that requires that you maintain a casual, familiar tone with your followers. Treating people like friends also makes them want to keep following you. It's just how the business side of things work.

This has unfortunately created a phenomenon we're now calling "parasocial relationships." It happens with celebrities and has for a long time, but it's even more dangerous when it comes to people who create content online -- people who may have large followings but lack the safety measures that can protect them against harm.

Parasocial relationships create a feeling that someone is closely tied with a celebrity, content creator, or influencer even though no such bond exists. This illusion happens naturally when a fan feels a connection to an influencer's stories or experiences or art. But it becomes a problem when someone's followers start demanding a sort of ownership over their lives.

In the case of Aspyn Ovard, asking for privacy should grant her privacy. But those following her content who might feel they are "owed" more insight into her personal life exist, and they're in the wrong here. Just because someone shares parts of their life with you doesn't mean you're entitled to all of it.

If a content creator or influencer decides not to share certain things with their audience, that is their right. Their followers do not have the right to demand being given or even seeking out private details. If you truly respect and value someone you follow online, listen to them, and respect their wishes in times like these.