Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
With Generation Z entering their adult lives, we have our new upcoming youth known as Generation Alpha. They have had access to technology for their entire lives. This adolescent group is choosing social media platforms such as Tik Tokand Youtube for their entertainment rather than television. With that, advertising is changing and the growth of influencers is skyrocketing. Adolescents are more interactive with them than traditional celebrities, and form a parasocial relationship with them. These influencers show their everyday, luxurious lives while simultaneously "pushing" products for the youths to purchase. Most of the products are items that are expensive for the average family to purchase. We see now that if a middle-school aged child does not have the newest water bottle or makeup that Kylie Jenner is using, they will be left out. Generation Alpha is growing up with materialistic values. Bullying is on the rise, as well with families suffering with financial problems trying to catch up with trends to make their child happy. With my research, I see the lack of personality as children follow the representation of the media to fit in. The study concludes the effect of influencer culture on adolescents and the representation they feel from the media. This will also show how advertising is changing with technological and trend development from generation to generation.
Recommended Citation
Goldstein, Lauren, "371-The Effect of Social Media Influencers on Adolescents" (2024). GREAT Day Posters. 96.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2024/posters-2024/96
371-The Effect of Social Media Influencers on Adolescents
With Generation Z entering their adult lives, we have our new upcoming youth known as Generation Alpha. They have had access to technology for their entire lives. This adolescent group is choosing social media platforms such as Tik Tokand Youtube for their entertainment rather than television. With that, advertising is changing and the growth of influencers is skyrocketing. Adolescents are more interactive with them than traditional celebrities, and form a parasocial relationship with them. These influencers show their everyday, luxurious lives while simultaneously "pushing" products for the youths to purchase. Most of the products are items that are expensive for the average family to purchase. We see now that if a middle-school aged child does not have the newest water bottle or makeup that Kylie Jenner is using, they will be left out. Generation Alpha is growing up with materialistic values. Bullying is on the rise, as well with families suffering with financial problems trying to catch up with trends to make their child happy. With my research, I see the lack of personality as children follow the representation of the media to fit in. The study concludes the effect of influencer culture on adolescents and the representation they feel from the media. This will also show how advertising is changing with technological and trend development from generation to generation.