Is Social Media Influencing Shaping Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s Future?

Suppose there is a classroom, and on its first day, students are asked what they want to become in life. A majority of them don’t just dream of traditional jobs but visualise a future as influencers. With smartphones in their hands and lavish goals in their hearts, today’s youth are reshaping career goals towards social media influencing. The global creator economy is worth over $190 billion, and it is no longer a “side hustle” for many existing influencers and also those chasing social media fame.

Influencing has become a serious profession in 2024 and will be more earnest in 2025. Can you believe it? If I say that even universities in India are jumping in, trying to blend in and include the art of influencing. The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute are starting programs and clubs relevant to influencers and occasionally run events, workshops and summits, too!

If we look globally, Harvard made headlines when YouTube sensation MrBeast spoke about building his empire as a guest lecturer. His earnings are over $85 million, according to Forbes. Closer to home, influencers like Gaurav Choudhary and Bhuvan Bam saved fortunes of 122 and 80 crores, respectively. They proved that content creation can be highly money-making and that we can succeed spectacularly. Yet, isn’t it worth noting that only a small fraction, 0.3% of YouTubers, earn more than INR 4 lahks a month? Budding influencers often start small, from INR 2,000 to INR 25,000 monthly.

Should schools and colleges teach Influencing as a career?

Absolutely! But what’s the catch? Not everyone will become a millionaire influencer. Education can help students find their voice, but more is needed to guarantee millions of followers. Superstar teen influencers like Krutika (@themermaidscales) or Jhanvi Bhatia (@jhanviibhatiaa) didn’t receive formal training to become online sensations. The reality is that we must first build a unique profile and create an image for our content which takes time, effort, and often a heavy dosage of luck. For kids of Gen Alpha who were born after 2010, the magnetic pull towards the influencer lifestyle is evergrowing and understandable.

Surveys indicate that most of the kids want to become influencers, while the rest of them want what influencers sell. Nearly 70% of parents say their children frequently ask for items they see online and most of them are luxury goods like watches and jewellery.

With the gaming influencers and industry booming, games are another heavy spender for parents. Some games cost as costly as INR 7,000. What choices do parents have when kids want to imitate their favourite creators, from gamers to fashionistas?

However, not all of Gen Alpha’s desires are materialistic and expensive. For them, sustainability matters too. Kids prefer eco-friendly products, pushing brands to use organic materials and reduce waste. From clothes to cosmetics, this generation also wants a style that doesn’t harm the planet.

What’s the takeaway?

Being an influencer may look like “easy money,” but it’s beyond it with numerous challenges, setbacks and pressure. This is not just about influencing but any field or path to success, which comes with hard work and failures. Meanwhile, as kids and teens navigate this world of screens and dreams, they also shape a future where sustainability and social media collide.

Don’t worry that this article ended here; check out India’s Top Teenage Influencers and Bloggers Here!