Authenticity and Audience Relationships Among Nano-Influencers

Author

• Samantha O. Lichtenstein, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Integrated Marketing Communication

First Advisor

Ike Brunner

Second Advisor

Summer Hill-Vinson

Third Advisor

Kash Afshar Bakeshloo

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This study examines how nano-influencers with 2,500 to 25,000 Instagram followers utilize authenticity and vulnerability to build audience trust and drive engagement. Through a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 creators, the research identifies three core strategies: maintaining a digital best friend persona through reciprocal interaction, practicing "calibrated vulnerability" that balances personal disclosure with strict safety boundaries, and prioritizing ethical brand alignment to ensure honesty. Grounded in Parasocial Interaction Theory, the findings demonstrate that nano-influencers disrupt traditional one-way media models by fostering intimate, two-way relationships. Ultimately, the results suggest that for this influencer tier, success and consumer action are driven more by interpersonal integrity and perceived sincerity than by sheer follower count.

Recommended Citation

Lichtenstein, Samantha O., "Authenticity and Audience Relationships Among Nano-Influencers" (2026). Honors Theses. 3427.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3427

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.