Influencer warning: YouTube videos for children are so dangerous!

Influencer warning: YouTube videos for children are so dangerous!

Krone AT, Österreich - An alarming result of a study by the MedUni Vienna shows that influencers in the children's and youth area mostly advertise unhealthy food on YouTube. The examination of 162 videos, which analyzed 901 product representations over 33.8 hours, showed that impressive 67 percent of the food presented contained high amounts of fat, sugar and salt. This result raises questions about the responsibility of influencers, especially with regard to the influence of the eating habits of children. According to the study director Eva Winzer, these subtle representations can significantly increase the risk of overweight and associated health problems, as The crown reported .

The role of influencers

The power and influence of YouTube influencers have grown enormously in recent years. In a digitized environment in which spectators actively deal with the content presented, the authenticity of the influencers becomes the decisive factor for their success. The ability to build a close bond with their followers through personal stories and responding to social issues is particularly impressive. These aspects are put into the foreground by many influencers, some of which acquires millions of subscribers, with influencers not only as content manufacturers, but also as a cultural architect, as in mandala system

The current findings illustrate that despite the popularity of the influencers and their importance in the marketing of products, measures to promote media literacy and a critical examination of the content shown are essential. Studies such as those of MedUni Vienna require a stronger awareness of the effects of such content on young spectators and a regulatory review of marketing strategies to ensure that healthy eating is promoted and the youth protection regulations are observed.