Many social media vloggers and influencers have faced criticism over the years for pretending to do things in order to get likes and shares. Some have even trolled savagely after being caught in the act.
But as competition and user expectations continue to increase, influencers are trying out different ways to stay relevant and in circulation. However, not all practices and ideas are appreciated and liked.
Take the case of California-based vlogger Jordan Cheyenne.
The YouTuber has taken down her channel and Instagram account after getting caught forcing her 9-year-old son to cry for a video thumbnail.
Cheyenne shared a video on her channel last week that in which she was seen telling her son "act like you are crying". The video, titled "We are heartbroken", was released online after Cheyenne found a puppy she had adopted was diagnosed with a viral infection that can be fatal.
In the clip, Cheyenne is heard telling her son to act like he is crying while they sat inside a car.
After telling her son to act, she goes on to issue a set of instructions to make the wailing look real.
She asks him to come closer to her and then tells him to cover his face with his hand. At one point, she is heard saying: "Let them see your mouth."
The video quickly went viral because Cheyenne mistakenly shared the unedited version on her channel. What followed was a huge backlash that resulted in the mother deleting her YouTube channel.
The original clip was deleted but it was re-uploaded by users who managed to record it.
Cheyenne deleted her YouTube channel and Instagram account after the widespread outrage. A report by Social Blade said she lost over 1,000 subscribers on the day she posted the video.
Cheyenne uploaded an apology video on the same day. She said she had to face a lot of harassment and 'death threats' since posting the video. In a statement to Insider, she said she has gone completely offline, stopped monetising videos, and is currently prioritising her child.
"I'm disgusted and horrified at what I did and there is absolutely no excuse. It's terrible on so many levels. I love my child more than anything and will regret this moment forever," she said.