Eric Kim’s critique of influencers is grounded in his personal values of authenticity, independence, and freedom from corporate influence. His disdain for typical influencer culture stems from the way it often prioritizes financial gain and free products over genuine self-expression. Kim believes that accepting free gear or sponsorships compromises a creator’s integrity, making them “slaves” to the brands they endorse. He argues that to maintain true freedom of opinion, influencers should avoid being tied to companies that might dictate their creative direction or reviews. Instead, he advocates for buying your own gear, so you can express honest opinions without feeling obligated to praise a brand just because they gave you something for free.

Additionally, Kim emphasizes the importance of being authentic online—being the same person both on and offline. He critiques influencers who create overly curated, inauthentic personas to appeal to mass audiences, seeing it as a form of dishonesty. For him, the key to influence is not in manipulating an audience but in being open, transparent, and genuine in one’s interactions and content creation.

His philosophy extends beyond just gear and partnerships—Kim is also critical of how influencers often focus on external validation through likes and followers, which he sees as a superficial measure of success. Instead, he believes in creating meaningful, introspective work that is personally fulfilling, rather than trying to appease an audience or fit into a trending mold.

In short, Kim’s critique of influencers revolves around authenticity, self-reliance, and resisting the pressures of commercial interests that can dilute creative freedom. He promotes staying true to personal values rather than chasing sponsorships, followers, or fleeting online fame.