In the 21st century, influencers have taken over. We now have all sorts of social media platforms that these influencers, like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, etc. Some of these influencers got lucky, and one of their posts went viral on social media. Some influencers did work hard for their platform and deserve it. The problem now is that little children have phones and access to these kinds of ways of social media. Children having phones is not the worst thing in the world; it can advance their minds accretionary. The problem is kids can find these influencers very easily.   

There are limits to what you should follow and what you shouldn’t. The word “Stan” is the best way to describe a super fan. The official meaning of a stand is “an overzealous or obsessive fan of a particular celebrity.” Many people in the past three to four years have idolized TikTok stars; these are not the people to follow. Everyone now tries to get TikTok famous by just doing a dance or a video, thinking they can have the same lucky success as the influencers. It can promote a negative mindset, thinking they need to be perfect and inevitably releasing that they will not have that success. Having someone to look up to is a good thing to do, but please, just anyone but TikTok stars. Some people use their platform for good, like Mr. Beast, who gets money and then instantly gives it away, and the cycle repeats.  

People use their platforms for charity streams or feeding the homeless. Some people may think it is selfish and they only do it for their likes and views, but it can inspire others to follow in their footsteps and make the world a better place. There are people you should and shouldn’t pay attention to online; you must be careful that your child isn’t exposed to the wrong people. Many people online flat-out get lucky, and some people use their platforms for the good of the world.