Influencers as educational helpers

In the influencer world, everything revolves around appearances. Fashion, cosmetics, food: this is the holy trinity in which the Instagram and YouTube influencer scene operates. The currency is followers and clicks: the more followers an influencer has, the more money he or she earns with skilfully placed advertising.
In the past, on television and in the cinema, this was called surreptitious advertising. But Instagram doesn't take such a narrow view - and neither do the influencers themselves. Such advertising contracts often earn influencers millions.

Taking enthusiasm seriously

Many of the followers are young to very young. For parents, the question arises: Can my child distinguish between the beautiful illusory world of influencers and reality? Or will they use the images and videos as real-life models for their own lives?
Instagram, YouTube and influencers are part of youth culture. That's the way it is. Rejecting or ridiculing this as parents is pointless. At best, it will provoke a reaction of defiance - and the secret consumption of posts and videos. It is advisable to take the enthusiasm of boys and girls seriously and take an interest in their digital role models.
Taking it seriously means asking questions: What does this person do? What do you particularly like about them? Why do you find this person interesting? Would you like to be like them? The answers tell you a lot about the child.

Let's talk!

This may even give them the opportunity to talk about their longings and fears and address topics that are difficult between teenagers and parents. Many influencers radiate a fake good mood, look incredibly good and have great friends. This thrust is coldly calculated: Adolescents (and also young adults) are very often very insecure in these areas and look for role models in this regard.
The child must have heroes to look up to. However, we parents need to make sure that they don't do this blindly. Many influencers overdo it with their messages and the posts are often nothing more than clumsy product placement. Parents can, no, must point this out.
Seen in this light, influencers have a positive effect: they allow us to talk about values, interests and wishes in families with a certain distance, without it always turning into a «child, we need to talk!» conversation.

On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life.