The image crisis in social networking sites ‒ the example of Mom Gynaecologist

Abstract

The publication is an attempt to describe and analyse the image crisis of the Polish influencer ‒ Nicole Sochacki-Wójcicka, which began in February 2023. The main subject of the research is the analysis of the influencer profile ‒ the content published on the @mamaginekolog Instagram profile in the years 2022‒2023 was subjected to a detailed analysis. The article poses questions about the ways of using social networking sites to build and implement an image strategy, as well as about the actions (strategy) adopted during the ongoing crisis. Based on the case studies, it was established that the process of managing the image of Mama Gynaecologist was gradually professionalized commensurate with the developing commercial activity of the influencer. The analysis of Nicole Sochacki-Wójcicka’s e-activity during the ongoing image crisis indicates the lack of existence or too slow introduction of a crisis prevention strategy. It is noticeable that they rely on limiting the effects of the event by partial withdrawal from the virtual world, as well as an attempt to warm up the image by publishing posts regarding the private sphere.