Toxic influence: how far will teenagers go for their idols?

An illusion of closeness: the parasocial relationship

To have the sensation of “know”an influencer, from share their daily life, or even tie a form of friendship with, this is what we call a parasociable relationship. This bond is formed through follow, day after day, an online personality to the point of knowing their habits, opinions and private life. And as these creators often address their community on camera, using informal language and sharing personal details, the illusion of a real connection takes hold. However, this relationship remains to be seen. one-way We know them, but they do not know us.

This phenomenon particularly affects young people, who identify with influencers as models or figures trust, sometimes more than in their real-life circle. This apparent closeness can quickly evolve into a form of emotional dependency : waiting for likes, a response, dreaming of direct contact. Even more worrying is that some young people may end up copying the behaviour, choices or worldview of their favourite influencer, gradually losing their critical thinking skills.

An invisible but very real influence

Some influencers, consciously or unconsciously, maintain this illusion of closeness to build audience loyalty. The risk is that this mechanism can undermine young people who are seeking guidance, to the point of triggering concerning behaviours : spending entire nights watching a live stream, neglecting their social or school life, fantasising about a real relationship, or even considering running away to try to meet their idol. In some extreme cases, this can even open the door to manipulations, when creators abuse the trust they have built up.

Added to this is a sometimes highly codified staging of a idealised daily life : always looking perfect, constant travelling, omnipresent luxury, enviable fame. Behind this deceptively accessible image, many young people in the midst of developing their identities are developing complexes, from envy even a deep feeling failure.

By following these creators on a daily basis, another phenomenon emerges: the dependence. Scrolling becomes automatic, almost compulsive. We push back bedtime, neglect our studies, and gradually distance ourselves from the real world.
What was once just a hobby is turning into reflex, sometimes even, in true need.

Commercial influence is regulated, but young people are still exposed

Since June 2023, a law regulates commercial influence on social media and aims to prevent influencers from overstepping their bounds. In particular, it requires transparency on partnerships, prohibits certain risky practices, such as promotion of dangerous diets and makes it mandatory to mention of retouched images.

Several actors, such as the Meer Collective or the trade union influencers (UMICC) are calling for further action. “Creators must work responsibly and transparently on these child protection issues,” insists Bénédicte de Kersauson, general delegate of the UMICC.

Key takeaways:

These abuses raise profound questions about the social role influencers on young people. Some become true emotional authority figures for minors, sometimes to the detriment of their family and educational values. Between personality cults, parasocial relationships and mechanisms of control, the dangers are fine actual.

Strengthen the legal framework existing is essential to ensure effective protection of minors against abuses of influence on social media. Content creators must be fully aware of the impact they exert on young people and commit in an ethical and responsible manner.

Tools to better support young people

Aware of their impact on young people, several social networks now offer tools such as parental controls., screen time restriction, Content filtering and monitoring interactions are ways for parents to keep a watchful eye without completely cutting off the digital connection.

To learn more, visit our file on the parental control.