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Experts have identified a growing social media trend in what can only be described as the selective school-to-foodie influencer pipeline. However, one unlikely influencer is shifting the paradigm.
A study from Betoota Polytechnic has found that ex-high-achieving students of Asian descent are drawn to becoming food influencers in their mid-twenties as a way of defying parental expectations.
“For many of these individuals, excelling academically was never a choice but an expectation,” Food Sociologist Dr Patricia Wang explains. “Becoming a food influencer allows them to carve out their own identity while still engaging in something culturally significant.”
Dr Wang notes that while food influencing is worlds apart from the careers in medicine, engineering, finance, and science these influencers leave, many still apply their analytical skills to their new craft.
For example, biochemist-turned-foodie Vivian Nguyen now uses her scientific background to break down the molecular structure of matcha lattes.
“It’s important work. We want a balance of bitterness and sweetness with the right mouthfeel. I’m basically providing a public service,” Vivian quips.
However, the recent surge in popularity of the Instagram account ‘Baz Tries Food’ has bucked the trend.
Baz, whose real name is Ben Turner, is the latest viral foodie influencer. What the 37-year-old from Betoota Heights lacks in a 99.95 ATAR, a prestigious degree, or even basic chopstick skills—he makes up for with his down-to-earth bloke-friendly reviews.
“I dunno, man. I eat heaps of food, so I figured I might as well document it,” Ben shrugs.
Ben’s most popular videos to date have been his servo food review series.
“The whole Instagram thing’s got me trying new stuff. I had this Vietnamese sandwich thing the other day. Mate, it’s bangin’,” Ben exclaims.
“Isn’t he just describing bánh mì?” Vivian asked puzzled.
