Social media has become an undeniable cornerstone of teenage life, offering platforms for connection, community building, and a sense of belonging. Yet, alongside these benefits, concerns arise about excessive use and potential harms, particularly concerning mental health and well-being. While research, including Facebook’s internal studies from 2021, highlights social media’s dual impact—both uplifting and detrimental—it’s crucial to understand the nuanced ways these platforms affect young users. One significant aspect to consider is the role of social media influencers and their potential influence on bullying behaviors among teenagers.
The digital landscape is populated by influencers, individuals who have cultivated a significant online following and wield considerable sway over their audience’s opinions and actions. For teenagers, who are in a formative stage of identity development and heavily reliant on social validation, the influence of these figures can be particularly profound. But how exactly do social media influencers factor into the complex issue of bullying? And what steps can parents take to guide their children through this intricate digital world?
Clinical psychologist Dr. Mari Radzik from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles emphasizes the inescapable presence of social media in modern life. “The reality is that social media is part of the world we live in, and it’s not going away,” she states. “We can’t just take away our kids’ phones or computers. It’s about figuring out how we can guide them on using and navigating these tools.” This guidance is especially critical when considering the potential for influencers to inadvertently or directly contribute to bullying dynamics.
This article explores the multifaceted role social media influencers play in shaping bullying behaviors among teens and offers practical advice for parents navigating these challenges.
Understanding the Indirect Influence of Social Media Figures on Bullying
While not all influencers directly promote bullying, their content and online personas can indirectly contribute to an environment where bullying can thrive. This indirect influence operates in several ways:
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Normalization of Aggressive or Exclusionary Behavior: Some influencers, particularly in entertainment or reality TV spheres, may display or even glorify aggressive communication styles, interpersonal drama, or exclusionary tactics. When teens consume this content, it can normalize these behaviors, making them seem acceptable or even desirable within their peer groups. This can lower the threshold for what is considered acceptable social interaction and blur the lines of bullying.
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Promotion of Unrealistic Social Standards and Comparisons: Many influencers cultivate highly curated online personas, showcasing idealized lifestyles, appearances, and achievements. This constant exposure to seemingly perfect lives can fuel social comparison and feelings of inadequacy among teenagers. These feelings of inadequacy can, in turn, manifest as bullying behaviors, where teens may try to elevate their own status by putting others down. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards or lifestyle ideals perpetuated by influencers can also contribute to body image issues and self-esteem problems, which are often linked to both bullying victimization and perpetration.
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Amplification of Trends and Challenges: Influencers often drive trends and challenges online. While some trends are positive and community-building, others can be harmful or exploitative. If an influencer promotes a challenge that encourages harmful pranks, public shaming, or exclusion, it can quickly spread among their followers, potentially escalating into bullying situations. The desire for social validation and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can compel teens to participate in these trends, even if they are uncomfortable or morally questionable.
Direct Roles: When Influencers Become Part of the Bullying Problem
In some instances, social media influencers can play a more direct role in bullying, either intentionally or unintentionally:
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Unintentional Modeling of Cyberbullying: Influencers may engage in behaviors that, while not explicitly intended as bullying, can be perceived as such by their young audience. This could include public call-outs of other individuals, engaging in online arguments with followers, or using sarcastic or dismissive language. Even if the influencer doesn’t intend to bully, impressionable teens may mimic these behaviors, believing them to be acceptable or even cool.
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Platform for Cyberbullying Campaigns: An influencer’s platform can be misused to launch or amplify cyberbullying campaigns. If an influencer publicly criticizes or “cancels” an individual, their followers may join in, creating a wave of online harassment and negativity directed at the target. While influencers may not always intend for their actions to incite bullying, the power of their platform can inadvertently facilitate such behavior.
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Direct Engagement in Bullying: In more extreme cases, influencers themselves might directly engage in cyberbullying. This could involve posting derogatory comments about others, creating content that mocks or belittles individuals, or using their platform to orchestrate online harassment. Such behavior is particularly damaging as it not only harms the target but also sends a message to the influencer’s followers that bullying is acceptable or even encouraged.
Guiding Teenagers Through the Influence Landscape: Parental Strategies
Given the complex relationship between social media influencers and bullying, parents play a crucial role in guiding their children towards healthy online engagement. Drawing from the advice provided by experts like Dr. Radzik and social worker Sarah Voyer, here are actionable strategies for parents:
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Recognize Behavioral Shifts and Initiate Conversations: Be attuned to changes in your child’s mood, eating habits, sleep patterns, or social withdrawal. These can be indicators of social media-related distress, potentially linked to influencer content or online bullying. Initiate conversations using “I” statements to express your concerns without accusatory language. For instance, instead of saying “You’re spending too much time watching influencers and it’s making you unhappy,” try “I’ve noticed you seem down lately, and I’m wondering if social media or the influencers you follow are playing a role. Can we talk about it?”
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Foster Open Communication and Trust: Teenagers may be hesitant to discuss online issues, fearing judgment or restrictions. Create a safe and non-judgmental space for open communication. Express your concern and willingness to help without berating or invading their privacy by secretly monitoring their accounts. As Dr. Radzik advises, “Berating will make a young person shut down… The approach has to come from a place of caring and concern, rather than something punitive or accusatory.”
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Establish Early Rules and Boundaries: Just as you would teach your child road rules before giving them a car, set clear parameters for social media use before they fully engage with these platforms. Discuss time limits, appropriate content, and online etiquette. Consider setting device-free zones and times, such as during meals or before bed. Sarah Voyer emphasizes the importance of structure, stating, “putting in some kind of structure, where you limit the time when they have access, is important because of how harmful social media can be.”
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Model Responsible Digital Behavior: Children learn by observing their parents. Be mindful of your own social media habits and phone usage. Demonstrate healthy online interactions, critical evaluation of online content, and a balanced approach to technology. As Voyer points out, “As parents, ultimately, you only have control over yourself… If you do something hypocritical, they’re going to see that.” This includes being discerning about the influencers you yourself follow and discussing with your children what constitutes responsible online behavior.
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Regularly Check-In and Discuss Content: Conversations about social media should be ongoing, not a one-time event. Frequently check in with your child about their online experiences. Ask them about the influencers they follow, the types of content they consume, and how it makes them feel. Encourage critical thinking about the messages influencers promote and discuss potential biases or unrealistic portrayals. Voyer underscores the importance of “checking in frequently and being attentive and aware of your kids’ media use.” Use these check-ins as opportunities to discuss scenarios related to cyberbullying and how influencers might be inadvertently contributing to or combating these issues.
By understanding the complex influence of social media figures and implementing these proactive strategies, parents can empower their teenagers to navigate the digital world more safely and responsibly, mitigating the risks of influencer-driven bullying and fostering a healthier online experience.
