Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has publicly supported a Nantucket business's sign that reads "No Influencers," expressing strong disapproval of what he terms "trashy, ratchet influencers" who he believes use the island as a backdrop for social media content rather than appreciating its community and beauty.
Portnoy, who is a homeowner on Nantucket, stated in an interview that the issue lies with a specific type of online personality. "The type of influencers we don’t want in Nantucket are the people who don’t care about Nantucket, the community, the beauty of it," Portnoy said. "They just want to come here, make videos about themselves and use Nantucket as a prop."
Nantucket is known for its tranquil beaches, historic downtown, and a distinct island atmosphere. In recent years, however, the proliferation of social media has contributed to many vacation spots becoming viral destinations, leading to increased crowds and concerns among some residents about congestion, commercialization, and shifts in local culture.
Portnoy emphasized that Nantucket should remain distinct from other popular summer destinations that he feels have become overly focused on being seen online. "You don’t come to Nantucket to be seen. You come to be laid back, enjoy the most beautiful place on earth," he commented. He added that while not all content creators are problematic, businesses are justified in discouraging those who prioritize viral content over preserving the island's character.
"I firmly stand behind this sign," Portnoy stated. "The trashy, ratchet influencers go to the Hamptons, not Nantucket. We’re an island for a reason, to keep the riffraff ashore."