Tristan Hamm, better known as Mr Adventure, is spearheading a campaign to challenge and transform the commonly held negative views of influencers, urging his peers to use their platforms for constructive change.
Gaining recognition for his unique approach of blending nature and community to boost mental health, Hamm, a resident of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, has cultivated a substantial social media following, with over 2.1 million followers (@tristanhamm).
Confronting the stigma surrounding the term “influencer,” Hamm, the brains behind Revived Outdoors, is keen on altering perceptions and cultivating a culture of forgiveness within the sector.
“I think the term ‘influencer’ has become more of a dig rather than an accolade,” Tristan remarked. “It’s common knowledge that people love seeing others fail, especially those who are doing well in life.”
Hamm is committed to motivating others and reciprocating the support he received. He has notably donated adventure gear worth over $350,000 (£275,000), including camper trailers, as part of a Christmas giveaway.
“This giveaway was part of a larger initiative where tens of thousands of my followers came together, sharing their personal stories of struggles,” Tristan shared. “These acts of generosity led to a huge outpour of support and truly showcased the power of social media to unite people.”
Tristan aspires to redefine the influencer role, focusing on his passion for adventure and effecting positive social change. He stated, “I hope to combine my passion for adventure while leveraging social media for meaningful change. I’m not about the views and likes; I’m about inspiring change.”
Hamm encourages his fellow influencers to prioritise community and positive impact over seeking likes and engaging in shame culture, saying, “Influencers often get a bad rep. But at the end of the day, everyone has influencers, so we need to come together in community and positively influence. Not shame or search for extra likes.”