Instagram couple quits social media after asking fans for $16k

A pair of Instagram influencers have announced they are ‘quitting social media’ - for a while at least.

The pair copped heavy criticism after they begged their followers for cash to kickstart an overseas adventure.

In a since-ridiculed post, the couple - Cat and Elena - asked their 41k followers to help them raise €10,000 ($16,315 AUD) via GoFundMe, a sum which was intended to fund a tandem cycling trip to and through Africa.

The plan quickly backfired, with the couple instead copping hefty criticism over what’s since been described as an ‘entitled’ approach to life.

Their response

After making international headlines, Cat has responded in a post to their joint page in which he announces a ‘break’ from the platform.

In the lengthy statement, the influencer says he ‘will step away from social media for a little while’ to do some soul searching via a bizarre trip he then goes into detail on.

“Here it is,” he writes in the caption. “I am going on a walk.”

The walk, apparently will not include any phones, sleeping or distractions and will help the influencer face ‘whatever is buried deep inside’ him.

The cryptic post was not received much better than the original GoFundMe which drew heavy criticism from fans.

“Try walking to a job interview,” was the comment that best summed up the general reaction to the post.

No time for a 9-5

The couple’s main reason for asking for funding, they claimed, was that getting a ‘real job’ would be ‘detrimental’ to their work.

“Some will just tell us to get jobs, like everyone else and stop begging. But when you have the impact we do on others’ lives, getting a job is not an option,” they wrote as part of a post.

“We could model and make fast money, but we don’t want to advertise consumerism. A normal job at this point would be detrimental.”

Backlash

However, the plea for funds didn’t sit well with many of the couple’s followers, who were confused at their shameless approach to gaining financial support.

“It’s sad this isn’t all a joke, the self importance you have is ridiculous,” wrote one angered user.

“Go get a job,” quipped another.

The proposed trip would see the couple cycle on a tandem bike from the ‘middle of Germany...towards Africa, and beyond’.

“We want to take you all on this huge adventure,” the pair claimed.

“A celebration of life, as we ride freely across mountains, by the sea and through metropolitans. We will show the beauty of this planet and its inhabitants.”

“But we can not do this on our own....We need you!”

So far, their GoFundMe attempt has raised just €287 of its ambitious €10,000 goal, and with their activity apparently suspended it doesn’t look like the number will be budging any time soon.

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