“What do you want to be when you grow up?” A question that we often looked forward to getting asked when we were in primary school. Ambitions and dreams were big in terms of careers – vets, engineers, doctors, rugby players, teachers, scientist… the list was endless. Apparently in our new day and age, youngsters biggest dream these days is to become a YouTube influencer!
Founded in 2005, YouTube has 1.5 billion monthly active users (MAUs) who watch a billion hours of video each day – from music videos, to celeb channels and fashion and makeup tips… Not only are YouTubers more popular than most traditional celebs, they are looked to as influential and powerful icons. And wait for this one – nearly 50% of Millennials have been inspired by YouTubers to make a personal change in their lives. Whether it be for better or for worse.
Four out of 10 Millennials say that their favorite YouTubers understand them better than family and friends, since they are soooooo misunderstood and way better for the world we actually need to make a living in. A new study surveying a thousand kids ages six to 17 shares additional insight on YouTubers. The outcome – 75% of the surveyed age group only have dreams of existing online in the YouTube sphere.
In a study published in The Sun, three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennials surveyed chose becoming a YouTuber as their most desired career. The same study also found the following statistics:
So what do you as a parent or teacher do when your student or child’s biggest dream is to do makeup tutorials and throw some fashion tips around to their followings who never tear their eyes away from a screen? Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do dear teacher and parent – lay the foundation and keep children’s feet on the ground and their expectations in check. If their YouTube career takes off, ensure that they choose an amazing old-age home for you with an unlimited bar tab!
AUTHOR
Inge Liebenberg
Login
Login to The Eduvation Platform
