I moved to LA at 18 with the dream of being an influencer. I lost myself, and I can't wait to leave.

• Rhegan Coursey found success creating TikTok videos and now has over 4.5 million followers.
• She moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an influencer in early 2021.
• She said she found a toxic culture of partying and social climbing, and she wants to leave.

This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed interview with 21-year-old creator and influencer Rhegan Coursey. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I was born and raised in a small down near Dallas, Texas, and I've been pursuing social media for as long as I can remember.

I made my first videos in fourth grade: I taught myself how to edit, got a professional camera, and posted all sorts of content online.