Robert Downey Jr shares blunt thoughts on social media influencers

EntertainmentOpinion
7 May 2026 • 5:52 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Robert Downey Jr shares blunt thoughts on social media influencers

  • Robert Downey Jr. has strongly criticised influencer culture, dismissing the notion that content creators will be the "stars of the future" as "absolute horses***".
  • The Marvel actor described influencers as "evangelical hucksters of the information age", noting how celebrity can now be created without significant effort.
  • He shared how influencer culture has impacted his family, citing his 13-year-old son's engagement with gaming streams and requests for donations.
  • Despite his criticisms, Downey Jr. acknowledged that some influencers are "grounded" and play an integral role in film promotion.
  • He also reflected on his own cautious approach to social media, aiming to avoid being "consumed" by internet culture or manufacturing his online persona.

IN FULL