Fortesa Latifi: Kid Influencers on Social Media
Host Sarah Adams is joined by journalist Fortesa Latifi to unpack the rapidly evolving- and increasingly controversial- world of kidfluencers and child influencers.
In this episode of Parents Uncharted, Sarah is joined by journalist Fortesa Latifi to unpack the rapidly evolving- and increasingly controversial- world of kidfluencers and child influencers.
Together, they explore what it means for children to grow up online, from the rise of family vlogging and sharenting to the growing backlash against monetizing kids on social media. The conversation examines shifting parental attitudes, the cultural impact of documentaries like Bad Influence, and the emergence of content houses and influencer pipelines designed specifically for young creators.
Sarah and Fortesa also break down recent child influencer laws and financial protections, discussing what these regulations get right- and where they still fall short when it comes to safeguarding kids’ privacy, labor rights, and long-term well-being. They reflect on how public tragedies have changed the way audiences view child influencers, and the emotional toll that constant visibility and online scrutiny can place on families.
The episode goes on to explore the power dynamics between teen influencers, brands, and traditional celebrities, as well as the blurred line between autonomy and exploitation in the influencer economy. Finally, Sarah shares personal reflections on parenting in the digital age, the risks of building a child’s digital footprint too early, and the looming challenges AI and synthetic media may pose for kids’ safety and identity online.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, policymakers, educators, and anyone questioning where the line should be drawn when it comes to children, content, and consent in the age of social media.
More About Fortesa Latifi:
Fortesa Latifi is a journalist based in Los Angeles. She is the author of the forthcoming LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE: Influencer Kids & The Cost of A Childhood Online; a searing investigation into the child influencer industry and the perils of childhood internet fame, Like, Follow, Subscribe is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the costs of internet fame, and the ethics of online content. She has also been published in Rolling Stone, The Cut, The New York Times, and more.
https://www.fortesalatifi.com/
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(00:00) The Rise of Kidfluencing and Its Impact
(05:01) Shifts in Parental Perspectives on Sharing Children Online
(10:59) The Dark Side of Kidfluencing: Insights from Documentaries
(20:06) Content Houses: The New Frontier for Young Influencers
(26:09) Legal Protections for Child Influencers: A Step Forward
(28:42) The Complexity of Child Influencer Laws
(31:14) Tragedy and Public Reaction in Influencer Families
(39:33) The Rise of Teen Influencers and Brand Power
(45:52) Personal Reflections on Social Media and Privacy
(48:18) The Future of Kid Influencers and AI Concerns