12 Reasons Kids Should Not Be Social Media Influencers
To answer this question, let us first understand who social media influencer is. Social media influencers are people who have developed a strong online following and are able to influence the public’s opinion about certain topics or products. They are often celebrities, bloggers, and vloggers, but may also include everyday people who have become popular on social media.
Who are Social Media Influencers?
Social media influencers are individuals who have built a large followership on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, LinkedIn etc. These persons use their platforms to promote products and services, create engaging content, and build relationships with their followers.
Social media influencers often focus on specific niches, such as fashion, beauty, food, fitness, travel, or technology and use their authority and credibility to influence the purchasing decisions of their followers.
They typically use their platforms to promote products or services, and are compensated for doing so. Influencers may also share their opinions and advice on various topics, as well as host events or create content to engage with their followers.
Understanding Your Kid’s Social Media Life
So you are ‘following’ your child on Facebook, if you are lucky. Many kids don’t want to ‘befriend’ their parents, but if you made it a mandatory condition, or you are confident of your relationship, you have overcome this hurdle. The next step is understanding what they and their friends are actually saying, and when to chime in and when not.
Most teens are posting with little thought to adults or parents that may be reading their posts. You will have to accept (and if you have a teen, you probably already know this) that there will be a lot of things they say that you just won’t understand.Here are top 7 highest paying social media platform
But here are a few types that may really puzzle or concern you:
1. A vague comment
“I will never forgive him, I am over it, people.” “There is little you can do to change my mind.” Sometimes they are meant to compel the reader into asking follow-up questions, and you will not have to (nor should you!) be the one to ask the question. They are also most likely done spontaneously, as an emotional response to something they just experienced. It is a modern day version of a diary, a very public one.
2. Angry outbursts
“Why does everybody feel it is okay to tell me what to do with my life?” “Right, Mr. Fox, your class is the only one that matters… ” “I wish the geek squad would stop following me around!” Again, these could be an emotional release, but they are also often directed at someone, maybe even you. (Sometimes these can be accompanied by language you don’t care for, if not their own, then a friend’s comments.)
3. Pictures
Your child and friends were getting ready for Homecoming, or were plain bored, and as a result your child or their friends are displaying poses, clothing, and behavior that is cooking your comfort zone for them. Maybe it doesn’t depict your teen, but their friends. Point is: the picture doesn’t make sense, or shows things that influences the image your has or will have in the web world. Read also these 10 Compelling Tips to Leverage Social Media for Your Dealers
There are a few ways to handle these types of posts:
1. Play it safe
Watch the interactions that your teen has closely but don’t make them aware of your FB presence. Whatever questions that you have because of posts, ask them in person, in a neutral situation, with general questions: “How are you feeling about Mr. Fox’s class?” “How is that friendship with so&so going?” This strategy may work best to open up in-person conversations with your teenage child that does not jeopardize their ‘confidential’ interaction.
2. A private nudge
Send your teen a message privately stating that you are worried about that picture, the language they used, or an outburst. Perhaps your child responds better in writing and you can open a dialogue with them in this manner. Again, it’s best to be calm and neutral in your questions and not reactionary.
3. Positive involvement
In some circumstances it may be best to ‘remind’ your child that you are on facebook, too. Post something funny, interesting, or encouraging on their wall, not in direct response to any post or comment of theirs. If they see your desire to interact in a positive manner with them, they just might take the bait, too.
4. One final warning
If your child is using facebook as a cry for help and posting seriously disturbing, self-harming messages, get in touch with them immediately, in person. Comments like “I can’t do this any more, I want it to end” are serious statements, and if they were not meant as self-harming, teens must be made aware of the power of such words.
Now, Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers?
No, kids should not be social media influencers. Social media can be a great way for people of all ages to share their thoughts and opinions, but there are potential risks for kids. Kids are more vulnerable than adults to exploitation, manipulation, and exploitation by companies and other users.
For example, a company might ask a child to promote a product or service that is not appropriate for their age group. Also, kids may not understand the terms and conditions of the agreement or how their data is being used. Finally, kids are more likely to be targeted by online predators or receive inappropriate messages or content.
12 Reasons Kids Should Not Be Social Media Influencers:
1. Cannot handle pressures
Children are not equipped to handle the pressures of being in the spotlight: Being a social media influencer means being constantly judged by the public. This can be an overwhelming burden for an adult, let alone a child.
2. Cannot handle the demands
Children are not experienced enough to handle the demands of being an influencer: Social media influencers have to constantly create new content, manage their brand, and interact with their followers. These are all things that require adult levels of experience and maturity that children typically do not possess.
3. Vulnerable to exploitation
Children are more likely to be exploited by brands and advertisers, which can be damaging to their reputation and well-being.
4. Can be exposed to inappropriate contents
Children can be exposed to inappropriate contents any time online or offline. Children are not equipped to handle the mature content that is often shared on social media.
5. Can easily be manipulated
It is easy for adults to manipulate children into doing things for them, such as promoting products for free or for a fee.
6. Can easily be influenced
Social media influencers are often looked up to by their followers, which can lead to children being influenced to behave in ways that are not in their best interests.
7. Can be exposed to cyberbullying
Children can be exposed to cyberbullying: The comments section of social media posts can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and hateful comments.
8. Can be exposed to predators
Predators often use social media to target young children, so it is important to monitor their activities online.
9. Can be exposed to scams
Scammers often target influencers, so it is important to be aware of the potential dangers online and offline as an influencer.
10. Inappropriate advertising
Children can be exposed to inappropriate advertising tat may mislead them. Many brands use influencers to promote certain products, which can be inappropriate for children.
11. Can be exposed to Addictions
Children can be exposed to unholy addictions. Social media can be addictive, and children are particularly susceptible to this.
12. Unrealistic expectations
Children can be exposed to unrealistic expectations in life. Social media influencers often present an unrealistic picture of success and perfection, which can lead to children feeling inadequate or inferior.
I am very sure by now the question “should kids be social media influencers” have been answered and you have learnt one or two things herein. Now, read benefits of hiring a social media manager for your business
