Social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch heavily dominate daily online culture. The generation labeled "Gen Z" has grown up completely immersed in the glow of these digital screens. While some influencers are massive celebrities recognized by adults, a huge portion of internet culture is driven by "micro-influencers."
Known as online "tastemakers," these micro-influencers are often invisible to adults. They may generate thousands of subscribers rather than millions, but they possess incredible power because they appear highly authentic. With a staggering 98% of Gen Z-ers on smartphones, these everyday people can communicate directly with their followers, making engagement feel personal and genuine.
Influencers also have a positive side. They raise awareness for critical issues like the environment (think Greta Thunberg) and LGBTQ rights (think Lilly Singh), while motivating others to achieve their goals. In a short span of time, they have triggered massive shifts in how society communicates and what we value.
1. What percentage of Gen Z-ers are reported to be on smartphones?
2. What term is used to describe influencers with thousands of followers who seem highly authentic and relatable?
What began as a hobby for many has transformed into a billion-dollar industry. Popular influencers collaborate with advertisers, meaning they get paid to promote selected brands. For instance, Twitch streamers are paid heavily by video game companies simply to stream their games so fans will buy them. Because of this, the lines between reality and advertising tend to blur. A makeup vlogger demonstrating how to apply eyeliner might seem relaxed and friendly, but the underlying intent to sell that exact eyeliner is very real.
Still Killing It? Beneath the surface, the influencer world is immensely complicated. The effortless images we see require highly labor-intensive work behind the scenes. Influencers face the heavy burden of maintaining perfect images, coping with nasty messages from internet trolls, and feeling the constant pressure to stay fresh and relevant.
This immense pressure leads to frequent burnout, public meltdowns, and abrupt time-outs. Former blogger Tavi Gevinson admitted that she wanted to reap fame's benefits without feeling like her life had become a "video game of winning people over and seeking attention." It is a system heavily based on social approval, likes, and validation.
1. How do video game companies use Twitch streamers for advertising?
2. Former blogger Tavi Gevinson stated she didn't want her life to become a "video game" of what?
Tap or click each card to reveal the definition and example.
collaborate (v.)
To work together with others to create or achieve something.
Example: Popular influencers collaborate with advertisers to promote selected brands.
relevant (adj.)
Meaningful, applicable, or purposeful in current society or culture.
Example: There is constant pressure for online influencers to stay fresh and relevant.
skepticism (n.)
A doubting or questioning attitude towards claims that are taken for granted elsewhere.
Example: It takes critical thinking and natural skepticism to navigate online advertising safely.
Writers rely on single-word conjunctions like as, and, but, and if to link ideas. Correlative Conjunctions are pairs of words that connect words, phrases, and clauses.
Common correlative conjunction pairs include:
Grammar Rule: Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
When using correlative conjunctions to connect subjects, ensure the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it.
Note: When using both / and, the subjects are compounded and always take a plural verb.
Example: Both the influencer and the sponsor are reviewing the contract.
1. Which sentence demonstrates correct agreement based on the rule above?