The Double-Edged Sword: How Influencer Culture Shapes Children And Teenagers | Lifestyle News

Influencer culture is here to stay, and its impact on young people will only grow stronger.

In today’s hyper-connected world, influencer culture has become a defining force in how young people think, feel, and behave. Children and teenagers, already at an impressionable age are absorbing online content at a rapid pace, often without the maturity or critical thinking required to filter what they see. As influencers curate their lives into picture-perfect narratives, young minds are left navigating a digital landscape that can affect their self-worth, identity, and emotional well-being.

The Distorted Reality of the Online World

Senior Psychologist Rima Bhandekar, Mpower Helpline, Aditya Birla Education Trust, explains that influencers often “curate their online life to create a perfect picture,” which can lead adolescents to form negative comparisons with their own lives. The constant exposure to seemingly flawless lifestyles may trigger feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and dissatisfaction.

Children also struggle to differentiate between genuine recommendations and paid promotions. As Bhandekar notes, relatable influencers often gain the trust of young viewers, who may not recognise the advertising agenda behind their content. This can result in impulsive buying behaviours, pressure to follow trends, and even judging peers based on social or material status promoted by celebrity culture.

Self-Worth and the Social Validation Trap

Psychiatrist Dr Sajid Mohammad Wani, Ujala Cygnus points out that influencer culture is increasingly shaping how children perceive success and identity. “Overdependence on social validation is defining how they act, think, and behave in their day-to-day life,” he says.

According to Dr Wani, the relentless comparison with influencers who present their best moments rather than genuine struggles can distort a child’s sense of reality. It may lead to heightened anxiety, unrealistic expectations, and emotional strain as children chase idealised standards of beauty, popularity, or lifestyle.

The Positive Side of Digital Influence

Yet, experts agree that influencer culture is not entirely negative. When used responsibly, it can inspire creativity and encourage self-expression. Bhandekar notes that influencers who consistently promote messages of growth, mental health, and self-acceptance can leave a meaningful, positive impact on young followers. Dr. Wani adds that influencers who champion social causes can broaden children’s awareness and spark constructive conversations.

Guiding Children Towards Digital Resilience

Both specialists emphasize that parents, educators, and policymakers play a crucial role in shaping how children engage with influencer content.

Bhandekar stresses the need to “train young minds to engage mindfully” and help them build self-worth that exists beyond social media validation. Meanwhile, Dr Wani recommends open conversations about what children watch online, setting healthy screen-time boundaries, and fostering critical thinking skills to help them distinguish between authentic content and digital performance.

As a society, Dr Wani emphasises, “we must prioritise media literacy and emotional awareness so that the digital world becomes a space for learning and growth, not comparison and pressure.”

A Balanced Path Forward

Influencer culture is here to stay, and its impact on young people will only grow stronger. The challenge lies not in shielding children from the digital world but in equipping them to navigate it wisely. With mindful guidance, open dialogue, and stronger media literacy, children can learn to appreciate the positive aspects of digital influence while protecting their emotional and psychological well-being.