From Norway to Wisconsin, children want to be social media influencers when they grow up

Over 60% of middle and high school students we surveyed from 2021-2024 said they wanted to be social media influencers, or picked their future careers online.

By: Matthew Simoneau, University of Wisconsin-Stout, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 22, 2026

Words: 1,135

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Matthew Simoneau, University of Wisconsin-Stout

A second grader in Norway drew a YouTube logo when my colleagues and I asked what they wanted to be when they grow up. When we asked why, the child explained that YouTubers are famous and make lots of money.

When we asked second graders in Wisconsin this same question, we were surprised to often receive similar answers: Kids there also wanted to be YouTube influencers when they grow …

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