How does a platform change over time?

What happens when someone builds their platform around a profession, and then leaves that profession? If that person eventually leaves that profession or moves on to something else, does the following stay? Are people following the person, the content, or the career itself?

Social media is such an interesting world because you can create whatever version of yourself you want online, but I think it’s fascinating to see how that translates in real life, especially in a small town where people may have a completely different perspective of someone! This has been the question going around our town lately as we have someone who is becoming an influencer and she is completely different online. We see the career unfortunately ending as well since social media was the goal!