A small business on Nantucket has sparked controversy with a sign that reads ‘No Influencers’. Four Winds Craft Guild, a store that sells handmade arts and crafts, recently installed the sign, which was shared on Instagram and inspired a heated debate.

Reactions to the Sign

Fans of the sign say it’s a cheeky reaction to the rise of influencer culture, while critics say it’s dismissive of social media content creators, many of whom are women. The shop’s owner, John Sylvia, said the sign was meant to be ‘tongue-in-cheek’ and a reference to the rising popularity of influencer culture.

Sylvia’s partner, Jessica Jenkins, described how influencers have impacted the culture on Nantucket, saying she notices an influx of people creating videos and taking photos for social media. The island has faced increased tourism over the years, with long lines at businesses.

Impact on the Community

The sign has drawn criticism from many influencers, with some saying it sends the message that creators aren’t welcome. However, some social media users saw the humor in the sign, with one user saying it’s ‘just a little bit of local humor’.

The rise of influencer tourism has led some vacation destinations to place restrictions on visitors. In 2023, neighbors living near Sleepy Hollow Farm in Vermont created a petition to close nearby roads and prevent influencers from inundating the streets to snap photos of fall foliage.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.