The World of Youth Influencers

By Kien-Ling Liem, Editor, Trinity College Student

With the rise of social media and technology, online influencers have become increasingly popular. Some of these online influencers could be full-grown, well-developed adults, but unfortunately many of them are still teenagers, just like you and me. Although there is a certain standard the world expects from them, which would be considered basic, human decency, there is still an unhealthy amount of pressure enforced on these young teens to speak on issues that we cannot expect them to possibly have a complete understanding of.

On platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, thousands of young teenagers have gained millions of followers and have the world watching their every move. Yes, as someone with a large following and the influence to make a difference with a single post, it would be great if they, occasionally, spoke on world issues with the intention to make a change. Especially because their following is usually based on a very young demographic, their words can very easily guide them to a certain level of thinking. But what many of us are forgetting is that they, despite their privilege, are still just teenagers trying to have fun. Speaking on important world problems is an extra step, not the expected level of content for them. It's their platform, and they can choose what they want to say. Another issue that arises from this is when, because people expect them to say something, they do end up talking about the dilemma, but only of out fear. Not only does this perpetuate an unhealthy, toxic narrative of forced activism, but this also diminishes the authenticity of their message. Are they trying to be genuine, or just trying to gain approval?

Another reason why we cannot expect young influencers to talk about heavy issues is that they may not have a complete understanding of it. How can we expect them to? Many of them are just mere children who are yet to learn about world issues such as systemic racism or the patriarchy. As someone who is still trying to find their own place in the world, we cannot expect them to understand the complexities of society just yet.

Image via Harvard Business Review

Influencer culture often consists of something called ‘cancel culture’. In simple terms, ‘cancel culture’ is ‘a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles – whether it be online, on social media, or in person’, meaning that to be ‘cancelled’ would be to call someone out for inappropriate behaviour and hold them accountable for their actions. While the intention here means well, this has inevitably spiralled into something that could have detrimental effects on one’s mental health. People go to great lengths to ‘hold someone accountable’ for their actions, not understanding the gravity behind their words and the effect this can have on someone. Calling someone out for their mistakes and expecting them to learn from it is good, but constantly dragging them down and attacking them is simply not the intention here. This could manifest itself in thousands and thousands of negative comments, and one could only imagine the implications of this. You cannot expect someone to grow if you don’t give them space for it.

In today’s society, having your entire world on display can be a nightmare, with every move you make being scrutinised. Influencers are extremely privileged, but many of them are still teenagers and trying to find their place in life. This is not to say that those who have done something hateful are to be excused, but should be given time and space to grow and learn from their mistakes, instead of a relentless bashing from the internet.