Imagine this scenario: A young boy, just 11 years old, gathers his family members in the living room. Bursting with excitement, he announces his plan to imitate his teacher and a classmate. As the family eagerly watches, the boy begins his performance, prompting everyone to struggle to contain their laughter, covering their mouths in amusement. Namya, the boy’s aunt, remarks, “He’s not very good at it. When he talks about wanting to be a content creator, I can’t help but think he should focus on his studies instead of aiming to be a social media influencer.”
In today’s world, children are increasingly looking up to content creators and social media influencers, often perceiving them as easy paths to success. We reached out to Dr. Prerna Kohli, a clinical psychologist and the founder of MindTribe.in, to gain insights into this trend.
What drives the growing desire among children to become social media influencers?
Dr. Prerna notes, “The appeal of fame and recognition associated with social media, coupled with its pervasive presence, naturally attracts children to the influencer lifestyle.”
She emphasizes the importance of parents discerning whether their child’s interest in content creation is genuine or merely driven by misconceptions. “Effective communication is key. Parents should engage in candid discussions with their children, weighing the positives and negatives of pursuing such a career path,” advises Dr. Prerna.
Do parents feel remorse for discouraging their children from content creation?
Many individuals grapple with feelings of guilt when steering their children away from pursuits they are naturally inclined towards. Dr. Prerna advises against self-blame, highlighting the significance of parental guidance in fostering a child’s overall growth. She suggests that parents can nurture their child’s creativity through avenues that align with their values and passions.
Is it crucial for parents to provide honest assessments of their child’s abilities?
While some parents aim to constantly uplift their children, they may inadvertently mislead them with unwarranted praise. Dr. Prerna stresses the importance of offering truthful feedback and direction to avoid doing a disservice to the child.
In conclusion, Dr. Prerna underscores the necessity of guiding children on responsible online conduct, ethical considerations, privacy issues, and mental well-being. Even if a child and parents agree on pursuing content creation as a career, it is vital to ensure a balanced focus on all aspects of the child’s development.