If you ask a teenager today about their ambition, chances are you will not hear ‘doctor’, ‘lawyer’, or ‘engineer’. Rather, there has been a sudden shift in the way that the youth views success. In a world where every person is seeking their fifteen minutes of fame, becoming an ‘influencer’ is the new goal.
This shift didn’t just appear out of blue; it was fed into young minds by their perfectly curated social media algorithm, otherwise known as the ‘for-you page’ (FYP). From elaborate dance trends on TikTok to making the funniest Instagram reel, we see an influencer nation building right before our very eyes. The new generation has altered the traditional perspective on success, ambition, and identity. This isn’t merely about chasing likes; it’s about building a new tomorrow.
A Diploma in Influence:
For decades, young people were told to study hard to get degrees. The classic route of degree to job to marriage and then retirement was the norm. But Gen-Z, being the flag bearers of change, question that norm.
As they grow up watching 19 year-old’s become millionaires, getting a hundred thousand views by the minute, the idea of climbing up the corporate ladder no longer seems appealing. Why waste time doing a 4-year long degree when all the wealth in the world lies in your bare hands and all you need to do is press record.
What is the Appeal?
There are very significant reasons for this immense shift. Rome wasn’t built in a day but neither was the youths’ love for social media.
To put things into perspective, let’s look at an example. We all know how validating it is for a teacher to praise your work. For Gen-Z, every like, every follow, and every share they receive on their video is like getting a gold star from your teacher. To them, a single view is worth much more than any certificate, or gold star ever will.
Additionally, unlike the traditional job roles, social media is simply not restrictive. There is no set type of content style you need to follow. You just let your creativity flow. Whether it’s beauty, fashion, health and wellness or gaming, sports or even craftwork, you can create content on anything and everything.
Considering the example of various influencers, the youth is keen knowing that they will have much more financial independence than the previous generations. The wealth you generate isn’t restricted to one, singular body. An influencer gets sponsorships from multiple brands. This, included with PR Packages and the money you generate from the creator fund of different social media platforms, makes one think that all you need is your phone to ‘make it’.
Recently, an influencer named ‘Abdullah Zaidi’ posted a video saying he wishes to be a beauty influencer. After the video went viral, multiple beauty and skincare brands started sending him PR packages with the newest products. Currently, he is a beauty influencer, who has sponsorships from brands like NYX, The Ordinary, and CeraVe. Such sensationalism in such short time further convinces the young generation that becoming an influencer is truly the ideal job.
Lastly, contrary to actors, politicians, or singers, influencers simply start off as normal people who got their ‘big break’. The relatability that is felt when viewing influencers is a feeling that drives the youth into pursuing that career for themselves.
The Flipside of the Dream:
Often times, people forget the downside of becoming an ‘influencer’. The shiny toy comes with a hefty price.
Since influencers only show the best version of themselves, with perfect skin, never-ending brand trips and unlimited PR packages, it is easy to forget what may go on behind the scenes. The struggle, stress and insecurity that comes with this job often leads to anxiety and depression.
In order to keep the algorithm engaged and not lose your viewership, influencers need to constantly post videos to ensure that they do not get lost in the maze-like algorithm. The line between public and private is blurred as the constant strive to remain relevant prevails.
Besides the burnout, achieving this dream is not as easy as one might think. The harsh truth is: not everyone can go viral. It takes thousands of videos to gain the slightest bit of traction. And if the ambition is strong, it makes the failures all the more crushing.
Redefining Success:
For the youth, success not only lies in money and titles, but also visibility, creativity and authenticity. Influencer culture has, in a way, made success more democratic. Whether you have talent, humor, or just a story to tell, social media gives you a platform. The youth of today aren’t only the audience of influencer culture, they are also the authors. And they are rewriting their own narrative.
The youth wants to be heard; social media hears them. Influencer culture is not simply restricted to chasing likes and followers, it has become a haven for young people to create, inspire, and lead. And this universe is only expanding further. Therefore, the question is not whether being an influencer is good or bad. It is, “What kind of influencer do you want to be?”
