Recently I was with a teen who was jumping up and down as she exclaimed how she now had 10,000 followers and some 400,000 views on a video she had posted on TikTok.
What does this increased chance of quickly getting a massive number of followers and views mean for our youth? Could it be that soon, 10,000 will lose its power, just like the once exciting 100 views did in the past? Or maybe not — maybe even if it is common, we will all be seduced by the high of a truly impressive sense of eyeballs on what we are doing.
Being seen does feel good. Teens tell me that being seen (getting views and likes) makes them feel appreciated. They say that if so many people see what they post, it implies that what they are doing is worth the other person’s time — and that can feel great.
What are the upsides and downsides of striving for online attention?
Why do some kids and teens spend so much time posting for online attention while others do not?
Today, Screenagers is sharing two stories of teens they think will make for good conversations with young people in your lives. Both of these teens talk about the pros and cons of getting attention online.
Here are a few questions to get a conversation going.
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Do you know anyone who has made a viral video or who is famous on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube?
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What do you think are all the upsides for them?
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What do you think would be the upsides for you? How about the downsides?
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-Delaney Ruston
Author: Mile High Mamas
