Dear Editor,
As a public communications analyst, I remain deeply mindful of the power of information and influence in shaping public behaviour. In today’s digital era, many individuals, particularly young people, are forming opinions and making life decisions based largely on the words and actions of their favourite social media influencers.
While influence itself is not inherently harmful, the uncritical consumption of online content has created a culture where validation is often prioritized over values.
Social media has certainly delivered positive outcomes. It has raised awareness for social causes, amplified marginalized voices, and created new economic opportunities.
However, alongside these benefits, we must acknowledge the troubling patterns emerging among impressionable audiences who are heavily influenced by online personalities without fully understanding the consequences of imitation.
Teenagers, in particular, are increasingly being influenced to engage in bullying behaviours—both online and within school environments. Content that glorifies humiliation, mockery, confrontation, or social exclusion often gains rapid popularity, subtly encouraging young viewers to replicate such conduct for attention or acceptance.
What begins as “trending content” can quickly translate into emotional harm, damaged self-esteem, and long-term psychological consequences for victims.
Beyond bullying, there are broader concerns about the normalization of cybercrime, online harassment, and other reckless behaviours that are sometimes presented as entertainment. When harmful actions are rewarded with views, likes, and financial gain, the line between responsible expression and dangerous influence becomes blurred.
Without proper guidance, young minds may struggle to distinguish between performance and reality.
The responsibility for addressing this issue cannot fall on one group alone. Parents, educators, policymakers, community leaders, and digital platforms must collaborate to strengthen media literacy and promote ethical content creation. Young people must be equipped with critical thinking skills that allow them to question what they see online rather than passively absorb it.
Influence should inspire growth, discipline, creativity, and compassion—not cruelty or recklessness. As a society, we must encourage accountability in digital spaces and foster a culture where empathy and responsibility outweigh popularity. The protection and development of our youth depend on the standards we collectively choose to uphold.