Disconnect Final Magazine.pdf
- Page 12 D i s c o n n e c t MEET THEM IN THEIR WORLD Hopeless mother finds her village in an online server - Page 8 “I went back to a flip phone and haven’t looked back since”
AD I´m a Journalism and Media student from Spain who´s interested in Internet culture and the impact it has in glob- al and local politics. I believe it is important to educate all generations on how the Inter- net works and affects our life independently from the age. Hi, Iʼm Evie, Iʼm 21 years old and I am a journalism and media student. I am really passionate about digital media culture and the impact it has on society. Hi! Iʼm Carmen. Iʼm 21 years old, Iʼm a Journalist student from Madrid, Spain. I love research journalism and deep investigation, and I believe being informed is truly impor- tant to understand the world we live in. Meet Our Team Table of Contents 8-11 16-19 12-15 32-35 Pages 4-7 24-27 36-37 28-31 20-23 Scrolling, Stimulation & Stress Is being online now embarassing? Recipe: Chicken Adobo Meet Our Team SilviaNavarro: The MotherWhoRegrets Digitizing Her Daughter’sChildhood Could Joining Scouts Help Teens Step Back Into the Real World? The Toxic Cycle of Social Media Creating a village on-line through Reddit When What You See Is No Longer True: Gene- rative AI and the Battle for Digital Trust Types of Influencers: A FunGuide totheOnline Crea- tors Shaping Our World Is social media fuelling ADHD in teenage girls? Howsocialmedia shapesour self-worth and identity. 2 3
A message from Diisconnect Weare a magazine dedica- ted to helping parents bri- dge the gap between their childrenand the digital world they live in. Our mission is to give parents the tools and guidance they need to reconnect with their kids, not just offline, but also in online spaces where they spend so much of their time. In this magazine, we explore as young adults the complex ways technology and social media affect childrenʼs and teena- gerʼs mental health, attention, and deve- lopment. We dive into topics such as the impact of social media on ADHD, the ad- dictive nature of technology, and the in- fluence it has on self-identity and self-wor- th. We look at the effects of giving young children access to digital devices, and how early exposure can shape their brains and emotional wellbeing. We also cover the constantly developing world of AI, helping you understand both its exciting potential and the risks it brings. We share practical tips and tricks to spot fake news, protect yourself and your loved ones online, and help children navigate these spaces safely. But Disconnect isnʼt just about the cha- llenges and dangers of technology and so- cial media, itʼs about solutions and connec- tion. We feature ways to spend quality time together, from family-friendly recipes to fun activities. We explore communities like Reddit and the Scouts, showing how they can support your childʼs personal growth. Our goal is simple: to empower parents and help them understand and connect with their children in this digital age, whilst encouraging safer online habits and sustai- ning meaningful family time. — The Team.D i s c o n n e c t 4 5
The case centers on allegations that Meta Plat- forms, owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, designed products that knowingly encourages compulsive use among young users, contributing to anxiety, depression and other mental health harms like self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Zuckerberg de- nied that Meta intentionally tried to addict children and insisted that users under 13 are not allowed on the- se platforms, though he acknowledged how diffi- cult age enforcement can be when children lie about their age. In a Los Angeles cour- troom, Mark Zuckerberg recently faced a jury for the first time in a milestone trial that many have called so- cial mediaʼs “Big Tobaccoˮ moment. The lead suer, a young woman identified as KGM, began using Instagram at age nine. Her lawsuit alle- ges that Metaʼs products fostered compulsive use, exposed her to predatory adults and worsened her mental health. Internal emails presented in court showed executives discus- sing teen engagement and time spent on the platfor- ms, raising uncomfortable questions about what tech companies knew, and when they knew it. between two and four hours a day glued to the screen, especially when Silvia nee- ded “peaceˮ to work, mana- ge the house or simply rest. It was the early 2000s, in the middle of a technologi- cal boom. “I believed that depriving her of a smart screen was leaving her behindˮ Like many parents, she The trial is being closely watched among thousands of similar lawsuits across the United States. This for- ces us to reflect and raises a disturbing question: what happens when powerful di- gital tools meet developing brains? had internalized the cultural message that early expo- sure to technology meant intelligence, opportunity and progress. She imagined the iPad as an educational That question is not abs- tract for Silvia Navarro. Fif- teen years ago, she handed her three-year-old daughter an iPad. “At first we only gave it to her occasionally,ˮ Navarro recalls. “But very quickly it got out of hand and the device became her accelerator for her dau- ghterʼs cognitive develop- ment through colorful apps teaching letters, logic and best friend.ˮ Within months, English vocabulary. her daughter was spending “I thought it was a kind of super-brain support that would make her more pre- pared for school,ˮ she says. “I regret being so uncons- cious and naive.ˮ At first, the signs see- med positive. Her daugh- ter appeared focused, her hand-eye coordination was even advanced for her age. But what looked like con- centration may have been something else; “Today I know it wasnʼt real con- centration, it was a state of hypnosis from the constant flow of visual stimuli.ˮ, Na- varro says. In fact, research in developmental neuros- cience increasingly shows that fast-paced digital stimuli activates the brainʼs reward system, flooding it with dopamine and reinfor- cing repetitive use. Studies using neuroimaging have found that high screen ex- posure in early childhood is associated with differences in the development of white matter pathways linked to language and executi- ve function. The prefron- tal cortex, responsible for impulse control, planning and sustained attention, is particularly sensitive during the early years, when neu- ral connections are rapidly forming and pruning. Organizations dedicated to child development warn that ages two to six represent a critical window. During this period, the brain ex- pects rich, multisen- sory input: conversation, unstructured play, eye con- tact, physical exploration. Screens provide bright, rapid stimuli but lack the reciprocal social interaction that shapes emotional regu- lation and empathy. Some experts argue that screen. At school, teachers reported difficulty sustai- ning attention during longer explanations. Socially, she preferred her device to other children. “Real chil- dren are unpredictable,ˮ she says. “They donʼt have a reset button.ˮ excessive exposure during these years may contribute to shorter attention spans and reduced frustration to- The impact spread throu- gh family life. Mealtimes became negotiations. The lerance, as children become iPad turned into a levera- accustomed to immediate digital rewards rather than slower real-world feedback. “She looked like a little old womanNavarro began to see tho- se patterns emerge around her daughterʼs sixth birth- day. “The iPad went from being a toy to a necessity,ˮ she explains. Without it, her daughter seemed una- ble to play independently. Boredom quickly turned into disproportionate irrita- bility. What specialists call “low frustration toleranceˮ set in: if a physical game didnʼt give her an immediate reward like an app did, she would abandon it in anger. Sleep problems followed. So did what Navarro des- cribes as an “absent gazeˮ, as if real life were moving too slowly compared to the disconnected from her own bodyˮ ge, and eventually, in her words, “a kidnapper of emotional communication. We stopped looking into each otherʼs eyes
Shutterstock Unsplash, Amanz, 2024 interfere with sustained Unsplash attention. A child psychologist confirmed her fears: they had been “trainingˮ her daughterʼs brain for instant gratification. Navarro and her husband attempted gradual reduction, but “it was impossible, the addiction was very strong.ˮ Instead, they imposed a strict digital detox. The first weeks were “hellˮ, marked by tantrums and crying. “She was irritable, anxious, and kept telling us she hated us,ˮ Navarro says. “It was emotionally de- vastating.ˮ It took three to four months before her mood stabilized and she began rediscovering analog pleasu- res and the changes became visi- ble: better sleep, renewed eye contact, curiosity about outdoor play, and a gradual return of imaginative ga- mes. “Boredom,ˮ Navarro insists, “is incredibly impor- tant. It creates a vacuum that fuels creativity.ˮ trooms examine corporate intent, parents face quieter but equally consequential decisions. The science su- ggests that early childhood is not simply a smaller ver- sion of adolescence; it is a uniquely vulnerable phase in which attention, empathy and self-regulation are being built from the ground up. Screens are not inherently evil, nor is technology destined to harm. But when convenience re- places connection, and sti- mulation substitutes for play, the developing brain adapts accordingly. Looking back, Navarro is firm. “If I could go back, I wouldnʼt give her a personal device before 12, or even 14. I would protect her childhood from the dictatorship of the damned algorithm.ˮ Today her daughter is 21. Much has improved, yet Navarro believes some effects linger. Sustained at- tention remains a challenge, window to build attention, Her warning to other pa- rents is blunt: “Donʼt do it. Donʼt rush. The digital world isnʼt going anywhere, but the especially with long texts. When stressed, she gravi- tates toward social media. “The initial wiring of the brain, when itʼs been mani- empathy and patience in your childʼs brain closes very quic- kly.ˮ She pauses before offering pulated, is the lesson she has paid for over years: “Childhood should be analog, itʼs a biological necessity. Donʼt try to digitize it, because the price is paid in hard to fu- lly restruc- ture,ˮ she reflects. The question raised in court, whether digital pla- tforms are engineered to hook young minds, may ultimately be answered by judges and juries. The more intimate question, however, belongs to fami- lies: in a world saturated with screens, how long can we afford to protect the slow, analog architecture of child- hood? adulthood. And it is very high.ˮ As law- makers debate the res- ponsi- bilities of tech giants and cour- Harriet Warne, 25, made the decision to go analogue three months ago in January 2026 and has now completely changed her way of living. From buying a flip phone to collecting music on CDs, Harriet now lives an almost completely analogue life. Over the last couple months, a new trend has emerged, ‘going analogueʼ and it has become the wellness trend of 2026. Going analogue means attempting to live a digi- tal free life, embracing physical media and cutting down screen time and technology use. People are now buying flip phones, re- cord players and even Walkmanʼs. Theyʼre switching doomscrolling with new hobbies. Why has this suddenly become a trend? According to an article on vogue by Sonja Kneževic, the Gen Z population have de- cided itʼs seen as uncool to be online and that going offline is a small act of rebellion against the new upcoming technology like AI and ChatGPT. The new generation of young people are getting AI fatigue and want to ‘live like itʼs the 2000sʼ. Imagine the freedom living with-There has been a new surge in the popu- without our safety net! One thing that nev-arts and crafts company Michaelʼs said that er leaves our side! Itʼs in our handbags, our searches for “analogue hobbiesˮ on their pockets, we carry it with us every day. One site has gone up by 136% in the last six of our biggest fears is having to live with- months, according to the Michaels compa- out our phones, it almost seems impossible. nies. Well Harriet Warne has bravely embraced the analogue way of living. “Iʼve adapted and figured out how to make things work. I can access social media on my laptop when needed, and Iʼm still able to text my friends, take pictures, and listen to music,ˮ said Warne. “I went back to a flip phone, and I havenʼt looked back since, said Harriet Warne. Is being online now embarassing? Evie Steward 8 9
We live in a culture with a constant pres- We no longer have the excitement of re- sure to have instant replies and round- the- clock updates. But at what point does staying in touch and connecting with friends become an internalised sense of obligation to reply? The line between gen- uine connections and constant availability can become blurred, creating a feeling of a burdened expectation to always be pres- ent. moving a vinyl record from its sleeve and the anticipation of waiting for your favour- ite album to be put in your local CD store,ˮ said Wells. Thereʼs a growing sense of nostalgia around the idea of “going analogueˮ in 2026. Some people find themselves long- ing for the life before technology, even if they never lived it. We imagine it to be simpler, happier and more peaceful. “Now teenagers can order a pizza and Ubers to their front door within minutes, and Amazon Prime orders coming in less than 24 hours, I think they tend to think thatʼs how life is and now the art of think- ing and planning ahead is not a skill teen- agers have,ˮ said Wells. “I sometimes wish I was born in my par- entsʼ generation so I can experience my twenties without social media,ˮ said Assal. Weʼre romanticising what we see in older movies and TV shows, where life seems simpler and not consumed by technolo- gy. Whatʼs important to remember is that films show a glamorized version of this life and remove the boredom, challenges and limitations that would have been promi- nent in those times. We also have lost the anticipation and authenticity of slowing down are lives, for example going to a DVD shop and choos- ing/renting out a DVD, to downloading music onto a laptop or having to go and physically buy an album when it came out. “It gets easier the more you do it, and you absolutely can live a life without a smartphone.ˮ “It gets easier the more you do it, and you absolutely can live a life without a smart- phone. Also, most people wonʼt judge you for it; if anything, theyʼll think itʼs cool,ˮ said Warne. In a world of rarely stopping, choosing to go analogue could be life changing. The rise of the analogue trend suggests that people are starting to question the pace of modern life, and the role technology is playing in our wellbeing. Although going analogue is fashionable and trendy, it also has its benefits, and the trend is showing a rebellion against the rise of technology. If 2026 can be the year for a digital detox, we can hope that it will restore a balance between the offline and digital world. According to an article by Calina Leon- Over time the constant stimulation reduc- hardt, Dina Danielsen and Susan Andersen, es are attention span and our ability to be one of the greatest benefits of going ana- logue is the improvement in focus and at- present however embracing a slower more analogue way of living can help regain our tention span. When your brain is constantly ability to be fully engaged and appreciate stimulated by notifications and scrolling it becomes difficult to concentrate on one task at a time. Weʼve become accustomed and desensitised to a fast paced and high intensity input, which can make slower ac- tivities feel unstimulating and boring. activities without the need for digital stim- ulation, according to an article by Katy Y Y Tam and Michael Inzlicht. “I think it would be great to disconnect from the world but things like facetime for me is essential so I think social media is the “I went out for lunch with my parents, and problem not smartphones,ˮ said Andy As- I spent the entire meal with a compulsive need to scroll through something, and it really shocked me how much my body felt like it needed that,ˮ said Warne. “I hadnʼt realised how much time I was wasting on my smartphone until I wasnʼt, and it became even more apparent when I started looking at the people around me. Itʼs so much easier to get things done when you arenʼt constantly scrolling Tik- Tok or refreshing Instagram. Iʼm able to focus my energy on doing other things, and overall, I feel like Iʼm more in control of sal, 24, whoʼs considering going analogue. However, completely disconnecting from the internet isnʼt a realistic expectation, particularly in a world of constant tech- nological advancement. Itʼs easy to forget there was time before constant content, and communication. We would have expe- riences by going to the theatre, watching a movie in the cinema or playing a sport. “Teenagers have less face-to-face inter- action with others, people their own age and from different walks of life which leads them to have less people skills and miss out on different opportunities,ˮ said Neil Wells, a parent interested in the new trend. Evie Steward, 2026 Evie Steward, 2026 10 11
On a chilly evening of early February an anxious “Our interactions have mother starts typing on her computer “I found been so tense. He seems saying how sorry she was that she couldnʼt provide asafe space for her kid until she was 5. Abusive part-He constantly back talks, ners, estranged relationships with her parents and unable to keep a job for a long time. She got preg- nant at 20 and now has a full-time job and is back in school. Now her life feels like its back on track, her 14-year-old son starts to change unexpectedly. gives sarcasm, and Iʼm just exhaustedˮ. She does not expressly say it, but there is and undertone of her feeling like a bad mo- ther, or that she failed in any way. When this mother needed a breather and some compassion, a community of strangers came to help her on the Internet. “This all sounds pretty typical for a teenage boy if Iʼm being honestˮ says one person. “I saw one article that said during those years their bra- ins literally work against their parents lol. I hope things get better!ˮ adds another. Almost 100 people stop scrolling on their computers to show support or offer advice to a parent seeking advice. Creating a village on-line through Reddit A look at how digital compassion can bridge the gap between fear and clarity for struggling parents Unsplash, Charles Shaffer, 2023 Screenshot from https://www.reddit.com/r/Parenting/ AlmudenaAmores 12 13
your offspring or any other specification you need. To access this subreddit, you can type on your search engine reddit. Then, when you open the plat- form, on its own search bar, type out r/parenting. After you click enter, click the first option that pops up on the right side of the screen, under communities. Here you are all set in the main page of the r/Parenting. If you´d like to search content more specific to your situation for example, kids age range, co-parenting, school material, etc. you can find those filters in the right-side column, when you scroll down with your mouse hovering over that section of the page. On this column on the right, you can also find the general description of the community, links to online community handbooks on parenting topics, the rules for posting on r/parenting as well as links for acces- sing professional psychological support for specific countries. However, there are things to consider before posting your whole life story online for strangers to pity you. They are still strangers, they do not know you, and even though it feels nice to be seen and heard, they do not know you personally. Some might show cons- tructive criticism to redirect misguided emotions or judgements, but other users can be very harsh. Reddit is a social media pla- tform where users can post about anything, from video- game commentary to fictional short stories in dedicated mo- dules called subreddits. One of the more common uses of the platform is for advice. When people are surrounded by a situation in which they feel like they need an external point of view, they can go to the specific subreddit related to the issue they are having. Users, or Redditors usually choose to remain anonymous and don´t post their name nor share personal information, just the necessary for understan- ding the story they are trying to tell. In this case we wanted to show the r/parenting subreddit. With 1,3 million weekly visi- tors and 23 thousand weekly contributions, parents post in this community about cases that have been going on in their life related to their children. Even though there are peo- ple posting about their younger kids, you have the choice of specifying the age range of O.P. is usually used as It is important that you are open to receiving not – an abbreviation for “Original Posterˮ so nice comments if it happens. For example, on the first post we talked about, another redditor started their comment saying: “I want to preface this by saying you are clearly a good mom. The rest of this comment is not intended to be a dig at you, but I am seeing red flags in your thinking that can easily lead to toxic behaviour and massively damage your relationship.ˮ After this paragraph, they continue listing concerns they have found on the original post. This redditor has the perception in which the mother feels that her teen hates her and has decided for both to go to counselling, without necessarily examining if this feeling is only one sided and the impact that might have on the kid. This commenter is extremely nice and empathetic with their response and offers a deep and new perspective on how OP´s situation might have begun. However, this is not always the case. On the Internet anyone can share their opinion and people tend to respond rather harshly, especially if they feel a sense of anynomity. Sometimes people can be unkind commenters, yet this is not something that happens usually in r/parenting. More often than not, people are nice, kind and try to be helpful. In Reddit you can find a community of people online who wan to help families thrive. Especially, in those moments where an outside perspective is most needed. Screenshot https://www.reddit.com/r/Parenting/ +Mykola Tys/SOPA Images Mother on computer Ngoc Nguyen (@settembre_26) 14 15
The Toxic Cycle of Social Media How social media shapes our self-worth and identity. “ I haveslowly idation from strangers, people we wouldnʼt ask for advice, over the peo- curated my perfect aes- We spend most of teens thetic on Instagram in a way ple closest in our life? and early adulthood trying to figure out who we are and our identity, but how much of this is influenced by what we consume on social media? that I want others to view Strangersʼ opinions feel more objective. They have no obligation or reason to compliment or praise us, and we feel this validation is more important because it feels unbiased. Gradually we start to ask ourselves, “will people like this?ˮ in- stead of “will I like this?ˮ We hood as it Is forcing com- start to value other peopleʼs parison creating self-doubt me,ˮ said Anna George, a 20-year-old student. Anna posts on her Instagram or Tik Tok almost every other day to keep up her aesthet- ic and appearance online. “It can make me feel a lot of pressure sometimes to get the right posts for my aesthetic but thatʼs not my everyday life,ˮ said George. “Social media is hugely impactful on development and identity in early adult- likes and dislikes over our own. which can lead to devel- oping anxiety and depres- sion,ˮ said Cheryl Coker, a psychotherapist. At some point posting pictures stopped being a way to connect with friends but became a strategic task for the algorithm. When we get that notification on our screens for a moment, it feels strangely important. We keep refreshing the page wanting more and seeking validation from someone we may not even know and someone we like- Social media algorithms reward certain aesthetics and trends. Overtime this will shape what we see on our own feeds and influ- ence our ideology on what is perceived as desirable. “Thereʼs a lot of emphasis on being tanned and the summer body and glow and preparing and looking good in summer and I think Social media has led to people developing insecuri- ties and wanting to change parts of themselves to fit into a certain aesthetic, which can eventually de- velop forms of body dys- morphia. It is a source of constant comparison and a place to seek validation, and it can be consuming for someone who is vulnerable to judgment. ly donʼt value in real life. Yet thatʼs had a subconscious their approval still matters. But why do we crave val- effect on how I feel about myself in the winter,ˮ said George. Another consequence of social media culture is the rise of parasocial relation- ships. According to an article on find a psychologist, social media can create an unnatural obsession with people we donʼt know, and this is called parasocial enter- tainment. The phrase parasocial enter- tainment means a one-sided relationship where one person extends emotional energy, interest and time, and the other party is completely unaware of the oth- ers existence. Parasocial relationships are the most common with celebrities and TV characters. If we begin to feel connected to people that donʼt exist in our everyday setting. we can create emotional dependency and idealize their world. This can lead to us believing and relying on social media sources more than qualified pro- fessionals, for example, believing a Tik Tok influencer about a medical condition over a qualified nurse or doctor. This can affect our identity as we depend on their opinions and values and take them as our own. This can be pretty damaging to our self-worth as well if we donʼt seem to be meeting the same expectations. “Social media shapes identity during a period when young people are most vul- nerable to external influence,ˮ said Kiran Rai, a concerned parent. Kiranʼs daughter has struggled with her self-confidence over the years from comments she has received on social media. “Theyʼre con- stantly exposed to curated images, achievements, lifestyles, and bodies that often donʼt reflect reality. When they see only the “best momentsˮ of other peo- pleʼs lives, itʼs easy for them to feel as though theyʼre falling short,ˮ said Rai. Social media can also shape our opin- ions, morals and personal preferences. In todayʼs digital age, political views and moral perspectives can be heavily influ- enced by the content we consume and the opinions we view online. Unsplash, Christopher Ott, 2020 Unsplash, Teslariu Mihai, 2021 Unsplash, Brett Jordan, 2021 Evie Steward 16 17
According to an article by Jennifer Mate, social media validation, particularly in the form of likes and comments, plays a signif- icant role in shaping peopleʼs self-esteem and body satisfaction. There are also gen- der differences in the way that we react to social media, with females reporting higher appearance-related anxiety, while males expressed growing concern related to body image and social approval. Individ- uals who place high importance on social media approval are more likely to experi- ence fluctuations in self-esteem, increased body dissatisfaction, and heightened sen- sitivity to social comparison. “Constant activity online affects our moods and health as we donʼt give our brains downtime or give our nervous sys- tems a rest which is unhealthy for anyone,ˮ said Coker. Now more than ever children are using products way too early for their age and wearing clothes that are too mature for them because of what they consume on social media. According to an article from Vogue written by Nici and Karin, Gen Z started experimenting with beauty prod- ucts and services at age 13, yet Gen Alpha has a five year-head start with an aver- age age of eight years old starting beauty products. Consumer intelligence company NIQ, reports that Gen Alpha is driving 49% of skincare sales growth, with brands such as Drunk Elephant. “I donʼt think you can escape children wanting to grow up and wanting to be a part of trends early on. When we were younger, we wanted the trending pencil case or shoes and now they want trending skin care itʼs just taken on a different form and accelerated with social media and I think thatʼs quite scary,ˮ said George. “This constant visibility can make them afraid to take healthy risks, try new things, or express opinions that might not be popular,ˮ said Rai. Even if we internally know people donʼt post their worst days, we still absorb the illu- sion of constant success. We still compare and want what others have even when we know it is the most polished version of their world, as we also do the same. Everyone tends to forget that we our- selves donʼt post the inaes- thetic parts of our life, yet we seem to believe that everyone elseʼs life is perfect. “My identity on social media feels like my heightened most pretty most successful ver- sion of myself and Iʼm quite aware of that,ˮ said George. Coming into your identity and building self-confidence is difficult at any age but particularly as a young adult and with the added pressure of social media this can feel overwhelming. As parents itʼs important to understand that young people have pressures that are different than pre- vious generations and this can be hard to navigate. As a society we can hope that the pressures and ideologies of social media can be changed over time and make the digital world a slightly easier place to exist. Unsplash, Jon Tyson, 2024 Unsplash, Joeyy Lee, 2020 Unsplash, Yap, 2021 Unsplash, Gabrielle Wright, 2023 Unsplash, Jennifer Burk, 2016 “This constant visibility can make them afraid to take healthy risksˮ 18 19
find it hard to put my phone tive, especially Tik Tok as the short videos catch my attention,ˮ said Kaitlyn Knight, a 20-year-old with ADHD. Does this sound familiar to you? Many parents feel concerned and are finding it hard to navigate what phones are really being used for in this generation and often feel left in the dark. “I donʼt think weʼve been given enough advice as par- ents,ˮ said Max Parmentier a parent with a daughter diagnosed with ADHD. “Iʼve never been taught about the effects of digital use,ˮ said Parmentier. But when does this become a pathology? ADHD diagnoses amongst teenage girls are rising in the UK, leaving many parents confused and concerned. Social media and phones have become the central focus in most teenagersʼ lives. For parents, under- standing this connection is integral. According to Guy-Evans, O (2025), ADHD brains are drawn to social mediaʼs instant stimulation which can lead to hours of “doomscrollingˮ which leads to “scrolling paralysisˮ, where children find it hard to put down their phone and disengage. “When a child scrolls through short-form content for hours they develop desensitiza- tion to long form cognitively demanding content and ability to focus on reading etc..,ˮ said psychotherapist, Cheryl Coker. “They also develop habituation wanting to look for quick dopamine content and this effects their motivation, self-discipline and long-term goals,ˮ said Coker. The dopamine-driven feedback loops of social media worsen symptoms of ADHD such as impulsivity and reinforces ADHD habits, for example, seeing quick rewards and avoid- ing “boringˮ tasks. “The lower levels of dopamine that present in some ADHD/ADC conditions increases the addiction to scrolling because of the hyperfocus tendencies in ADHD and the scroll- ing increases dysregulation,ˮ said Coker. According to Beard.F (2025) “Itʼs hard to draw the line as a par- ADHD prescriptions have risen by 208% in the last decade. The number of teenage girls pre- scribed ADHD-re- lated medication under NHS has more than tripled since 2016, reach- ing numbers as high as 3,381,200 in 2024/2025, ac- cording to the NHS Business Services Au- thority (2025). ent now that homework and social media are on the same ADHD in numbers: 208% rise in prescriptions device,ˮ said Parmentier. Can we really blame them for living im- mersed in the digital Teenage girls on ADHD related world when everything they need is on one device? medication has more than tripled since 2016 3.38 million prescriptions in Children especially with ADHD have con- stant distractions, from 2024/2025 their phones pinging to playing on their game con- soles. It feels like an endless The rise in diagnoses does not nec- battle between getting your kidʼs atten- essarily mean cause for concern amongst parents but only to be more mindful of their teenagersʼ digital usage. tion and their fixation on technology. “She does get distracted from all the constant pinging and messages,ˮ said Max. The big- gest concern for parents is your childrenʼs wellbeing, and the constant digital use is disrupting this. Scrolling, Stimulation & Stress Is social media fuelling ADHD in teenage girls? “ I “Socialmediaistoo addictive” Shutterstock, Jaap Arriens, 2023 Evie Steward Unsplash, Kajetan Sumila, 202320 21
PSMU Symptoms: • • • • Compulsive scrolling Losing track of time Emotionally reliance Conflicts when boundaries are set Social media can be a leading cause for struggling to manage ADHD symptoms as it has addictive qualities. A term called PSMU, Problematic Social Media Usage, is used to describe addiction to social me- dia and the behavioual traits that follow, according to Ding. J, Zihan.L and Miao, C (2025). Experts reccomend these tips to help, Reynolds (2022): Create a family plan: -Discuss with your children the boundaries around screen time and what areas phones are allowed, for example, only keeping them in the living room Take advantage of parental tools and apps: -There are blocking apps and screen time apps to control your childrenʼs consump- tion of media -There are free apps and subscriptions such as Freedom, Kaspersky Safe Kids and OurPact. Creating conversations about their apps: -Try and start a conversation about what they are watching or engaging with on social media, and this can be beneficial for you to start to understand their world. But could social media sometimes be help- ful? “Sometimes my phone helps me concen- trate, itʼs a way of self-regulation which I need to function,ˮ said Knight. Signs to look out for so you can under- stand the difference between social media addiction and using phone as self-regulation according to Children and Screens (2025) • If you child becomes ag- gressive when screens are removed • Lying about screen time/usage • Sleep disruption • Declining in school engagement • Suicide threats/behaviour “My advice as a parent would be try andA way parents can help is with open con- look for an activity where they interact with versations and realistic boundaries such as other people without the need for a phone, for example, sports, dance and music,ˮ said Parmentier. creating scheduled screen time and reduc- ing notifications. Also having an empathet- ic approach rather than creating conflict and recognizing that phones arenʼt always being used for a distraction but rather a coping mechanism. In this generation it would be nearly im- possible to remove phones and ban social media as it is the norm now for teenagers growing up and thereʼs no way around it. However, we can try our best to help cre- ate a healthy balance. In a digital world thatʼs designed to draw us in and capture our attention, the most important thing parents can do is support and offer balance. By creating a struc- The important thing to remember is social ture with understanding, open rules and media canʼt cause ADHD or other neuro- logical disorders but only enhances symp- toms of disorders that are already present. As ADHD diagnoses rise in teenage girls, communication, parents can help their teenagers, especially those with ADHD to navigate the digital world in a way that long-term supports their health and mental wellbeing. it is only understandable that parents start to feel anxious. We are in a world where phones are an unavoidable part of growing up. Shutter stock, Jonathan Raa, 2023 Unsplash, Karla Rivera, 2018 22 23
When What You See Is No Longer True: Generative AI and the Battle for Digital Trust Shutterstock Screenshot by Carmen Botello InJanuary 2024, sexually explicit images of pop star Taylor Swift, fabricated using generative artificial intelli- gence, spread rapidly across X (formerly Twitter). Within hours, millions had seen or searched for them. The ima- ges were fake, but the dama- ge was real. Influencer Chris Olsen has talked publicly on his platfor- ms about this happening to him. In July 2024 he posted a video where he spoke about the time he got some fake nude photos “leakedˮ on the internet. “It was four years ago, and Iʼm still dealing with this today. It never sto- ppedˮ he explai- ned. Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that creates new, original con- tent by learning patterns from existing data. The Taylor Swift episode mar- ked a turning point in the public debate surrounding the technology: no longer celebrated as a tool of in- novation, but as a powerful instrument capable of ma- nipulation, exploitation and significant harm. From drafting essays to generating hyperrealistic videos, generative AI has democratized con- tent creation. But it has also democra- tized abuse. Their systems can produce text, images, voices and videos that are often indis- tinguishable from reality. Platforms like Meta, TikTok and X have inte- grated AI tools into their ecosystems, allowing users to remix, filter and generate content faster than ever before. The technologyʼsbenefits areundeniable: artists expe- riment with new forms, small businesses generate marke- ting materials, and educators design interactive lessons. AI lowers technical barriers and expands creative access. Yet the same tools can create fabricated pornogra- phy, impersonate political leaders, or manufacture evi- dence of events that never occurred. What once requi- red advanced technical skill and specialized software can now be achieved with a few prompts. Deepfakes: Amplified Digital Violence Deepfakes, AI-generated or AI-manipulated videos and images that realistically swap faces or alter speech, have become one of the most dis- turbing applications of gene- rative AI. Non-consensual pornogra- phic deepfakes mostly target women and teenagers, both celebrities and private indi- viduals. “They think itʼs real. I also thought it looked very, very close to reality in those pictures, including my facial features.ˮ This is what a 21-year-old law student at the University of Hong Kong described in an interview with CBC after she found out another student had created pornographic images of her using artificial intelligence. “I cried everyday and had nightmares. … I was super shocked and quite afraid at the time, and I stopped using so- cial media for a while, becau- se I had no idea who would have access to my photos,ˮ she remembers. Screenshot by Carmen Botello girls endured comments from their classmates. These deepfakes were A disturbing report publi- made with the ClothOff app. With the slogan “Undress anybody, undress girls for freeˮ, the app allows users to take the clothes off from anyone who appears in their phoneʼs picture gallery. It cost 10 euros to create 25 naked images. The Clothoff website says users must be 18 or older, they canʼt use pictures of people under 18, and canʼt use othersʼ pho- tos without permission. But AI researcher Kolina Koltai points out thereʼs no veri- fication to enter the site, just click a button to accept and youʼre in. Immediately you get explicit photos and shed by Save the Children revealed that 98% of the you- th admitted to have suffered digital sexual violence during their childhood or adolescen- ce and one in five hace been victims of deepfakes created with AI. In 2023 there was a major case of naked deep- fake images of teenage girls in Almendralejo, a town in southern Spain. The youngest victim was only 11 years old at the time. “My daughter told me with great disgust: ‘Mum, look what they have done to meʼ,ˮ Miriam Al Adib wrote on her Instagram. “You are not aware of the damage you have done to these girls … My daughter was told by one of them that he had done ‘thingsʼ with her photoˮ she added. Al Adib even claimed that the photos could have reached internet portals such as Only- fans or pornographic websites. All the while, the you see their new premium feature, which at the time was the pose featu- re, allowing users to create generated AI pictures of people in different sexual positions. This app has been running for over two years now, with no found solution. The images spread fas- ter than moderation systems could remo- ve them, the operators are anonymous and are probably overseas, making it harder to control or ban. “There are many victims out there whose images are being used right now without their consent that probably have no idea,ˮ states Kolina Koltai. Before AI, manipulated images requi- red expertise in Photoshop. Today, moving images with synchronized voice can be genera
AD At the same time, these platforms are under growing regulatory pressure. The European Union has pushed forward with stricter ins- pection under frameworks like the Digital Services Act, focused on accelerating res- ponses to harmful content. Policymakers debate whether companies should be legally required to remove intimate deepfakes quickly and imple- ment detection technologies by default. In the United States, law- makers have proposed le- gislation targeting non-con- sensual intimate deepfakes, seeking faster removal me- chanisms and stronger penal- ties. As The Guardian reported, Spain recently opened a cri- minal investigation into major platforms over the spread of AI-generated sexual content, including deepfakes involving minors, a shift that highlights how seriously governments are beginning to treat the issue. In the UK, the Government will introduce a new offence meaning perpetrators could be charged for both creating and sharing these images, not only marking a crackdown on this abhorrent behaviour but making it clear there is no excuse for creating a sexually explicit deepfake of someone without their consent. Per- petrators could face up to two years behind bars un- der the Governmentʼs new offences for taking intimate images without consent and installing equipment with intent to commit these offences. “It is unacceptable that one in three women have been victims of online abu- se. This demeaning and dis- turbing form of chauvinism must not become normali- sed, and as part of our Plan for Change we are bearing down on violence against women, whatever it takesˮ says Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones. Yet detection remains technically challenging. Deepfake detection tools often struggle in real-world conditions, especially when content is compressed, cropped or slightly altered. Technology alone cannot solve a problem created by technology. Disinformation in the Age of Generative AI The dangers extend far beyond sexual exploitation. Following major breaking news events, fabricated AI-generated photos and vi- deos have circulated online, sometimes gaining trac- tion before verification can catch up. A recent example are the misleading images shared online amid Mexican cartel violence. Mexican special forces killed a no- torious cartel leader known as “El Menchoˮ on February 22nd. This sparked a wave of retaliatory violence that saw cars set on fire by cartel members and roads bloc- ked and 20 Mexican states. As violence takes over the country, fake and misleading images claiming to show the destruction of Mexican cities and landmarks spread online. In the UK, fabricated videos of doctors endorsing fake medical treatments have also proliferated, as reported by the BBC, raising concerns about public health misinfor- mation powered by synthetic media. A hospital trust in south London issued an alert this January after fraudulent vi- deos were circulated online, on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, showing doctors applying weight loss patches to their bodies and losing weight over a period of time. They appear to be AI-genera- ted and do not show doctors who work there. “They are fraudulent and theyʼre mislea- ding … NHS clinicians would never endorse or promote commercial products such as thisˮ said Dr Daghni Rajasin- gam, deputy chief medical officer at Trust. The problem is not merely false images; it is false con- text. AI can fabricate entire narratives: speeches that were never delivered, pro- tests that never happened, crimes that never occurred. If visual evidence can be manufactured almost flawlessly, what remains as proof? What to do if you encoun- ter a deepfake or AI-driven misinformation: • Verify through reliable While systemic regulation is essential, individuals also need digital literacy tools. media outlets. • Do not share it, even to criticize it. There are warning pointers • Report it through plat- of potentially AI-generated content and we should pay attention to them. Some signs are visible in the video itself, like inconsistent ligh- ting, distorted hands or un- natural blinking. The audio may also offer clues, such as a robotic vocal tone or subtle audio glitches. Last- ly, you should pay attention to the source, be wary of newly created accounts sharing sensational or highly emotional content. form tools. • Inform the affected person when possible. Screenshot by Carmen Botello Responsibility cannot fall on users alone. Platfor- ms must strengthen their moderation systems, law- makers need to update legal frameworks, and schools should teach digital literacy from an early age. If something provokes immediate outrage or fear,that is precisely when to pause. How to Defend Ourselves Unsplash Screenshot by Carmen Botello Screenshot by Carmen Botello 26 27
Space to Grow Offline If youʼve ever tried to coax a teenager out of their room, with nothing but the into real world interactions. And while chatting online or sharing photos isnʼt inherently harmful, the balance can quickly slip. Recent research highlights this growing concern. A large U.S. study found that tee- nagers with high daily screen use were more likely to experience depression, anxiety, irregular sleep, and fragile social support networks. Psychologists are now digging dee- per into how screens impact young people. As media psychologist Jerri Lynn Hogg, PhD, puts it, “Itʼs really important for us to have scientific based evidence behind what weʼre recommending. We have ideas, but the technology is getting more sophisticated and more ubiquitousˮ. At the same time, research suggests that excessive screen use is associated with a higher likelihood of mental health struggles, including depression in adolescents who spend several hours a day online. For families, this raises an essential question: How can we help teens disconnect from devices without disconnecting from the world? One option might be hiding in plain sight: your local Scout group. The UK is home to more than 7,500 Scouts groups, each one offering young people a chance to develop practical skills, contribute to their communities, and build real friends- hips grounded in shared experience rather than shared WiFi. To understand what Scouts can offer todayʼs teens, we spoke with Vicente Saez, who joined his local group at age 10 and stayed until adulthood. Now 20, he speaks with genuine enthusiasm about the friendships, confi- dence, and perspective he gained. He recalls participating in camping trips, organising activities for the group that appeal to all ages, and taking part in voluntee- ring activities such as animal rescues, painting murals in schools and collaborating in food drives for the needy “Spending six or seven days in nature, away from everyday com- forts, was the perfect chance to slow down. You become more present. You enjoy being with yourself, with others, and with na- ture. Thatʼs a kind of learning too; more personal, because it shows you what life looks like beyond the rush.ˮ GlobalWarmingImages SSTK_5347500 + @vicentesaeez_ on Instagram @vicentesaeez_ on Instagram @vicentesaeez_ on Instagram Could Joining Scouts Help Teens Step Back Into the Real World? A l m u d e n a A m o r e s AnEx-Scout andshareshis experiences in a scout group 28 29
Types of Influencers: A Fun Guide to the Online Creators Shaping Our World Saez says the biggest benefit of Scouts was the depth of connection he formed with others. “That isolation allowed us to dedicate entire days to ourselves and our peers,ˮ he explains. “The activities are designed to bring out the best in you, sometimes even helping you face your biggest fears or challenges.ˮ This aligns with expert insights. Psychologists note that screens, when overused, can displace opportunities for physical movement, meaningful socialising, and other activities that support healthy development. Scouts, on the other hand, offers the opposite: face to face inte- raction, shared problem solving, and the chance to feel genuinely part of a team. Psychological research backs up Saezʼs experience. Studies consistently show that outdoor time reduces stress and boosts mood by lowering cortisol levels and increasing feelings of relaxation. For teens, who can be anxious at any given moment, time in natu- re offers a powerful reset. Parents might worry that Scouts is either too structured, too childish, or simply unfa- miliar to a teen who prefers digital comfort zones. But Saez insists the environment is designed precisely to ease those anxieties. And thereʼs good news for families: itʼs possible to join Scouts at any age. Each sec- tion is carefully adapted to match the age groupʼs abilities and comfort levels, so no one feels something is “too childishˮ or “too difficult.ˮ Every section has a leader responsible for dividing practical chores (clearing tables, washing dishes, taking out rubbish) so that everyone shares responsibility without pressure or embarrassment. This structure helps teens step outside their comfort zones without feeling judged. The older leaders, often university students, are trained to help with open communication and resolve conflicts calmly and respectfully. These are the skills teens can carry with them long after camp has ended. Screens arenʼt going away, nor should they. Instead, we can help teens build balanced digital habits and supporting them in finding healthy alternatives. Scouts offer a break from digital intensity,a space to build confidence and community outdoors and a chance to rediscover joy in real-world connections. As Saez puts it, “Being in nature and doing things together helps you learn not just about the world, but about yourself.ˮ For parents looking for a grounded, engaging, and genuinely confidence building experience for their teenagers, Scouts might be the per- fect place to begin. There are different types of con- tent creators, as well as different be categorized by the type of content they make, such as YouTubers (long-form vi- deo), TikTok or Reels creators (short-form video), bloggers (written content), podcas- ters (audio), live streamers (who broadcast live on platforms like Twitch, Youtube, or TikTok), and influencers (focused on enga- ging niche audiences). They can also be classified by their au- dience size: nano-influences (less than 10.000 followers, with high engagement and a local focus), micro-influencers (10.000-50.000 followers, often niche ex- perts), macro-influencers (50.000-1 million followers, broad reach), and mega-in- fluencers (over 1 million followers, massive reach). “Phone eats first.ˮ Food influencers make you hungry at any time of day. Their content ranges from quick recipes and grocery tips to viral food trends and mukbang vi- deos, where they eat large amounts of food while chatting with viewers. For example, creators like @thatfoodielyss share rich, satisfying food videos that are as aesthetic as they are delicious. @foodieholly focuses on simple, easy recipes that anyone can recreate at home, even turning her passion into a cookbook. Meanwhile, @jonwatts88, who famously learned to cook while in prison, creates comforting, quick meals and shares his inspiring personal journey. These influencers are popular because they combine visual satisfaction, practicality, and per- sonality. Whether youʼre learning to cook or just watching for fun, they make food feel exciting and accessible. However, what I find most interesting, and what can significantly influence chil- drenʼs minds and sometimes shape their ideas or opinions, is the influencerʼs niche and the type of content they create. When you think of a content creator, you usually think of your top few favorites you follow on Instagram and TikTok. If youʼre just getting into the world of online content creation, you should know there is much more that meets the eye. There are plen- ty of different content creators below the surface who are successful even without the huge following that everyone seems to gravitate toward. Understanding the di- fferent types of content creators is crucial for both consumers and aspiring creators. This article aims to explore the content creation scene, highlighting each typeʼs unique characteristics and contributions. Food Influencers Instagram @thatfoodielys
Health & Wellness Influencers Gaming Influencers Fashion Influencers Lifestyle Influencers Travel Influencers This nicheis booming, in fact, almost half of people now turn to social media for health information. Health and wellness influencers cover everything from fitness and nutrition to mental health and stress management. For example, @sophie.riichards promotes anti-inflammatory living through relatable lifestyle content, while @dralexgeorge focuses on mental fitness and even de- veloped an app backed by the NHS. Similarly, @drranganchatterjee shares advice through both social media and his popular podcast. Their videos often include morning routines, workout tips, mental heal- th advice, or “day in my lifeˮ content. Theyʼre important because they can shape how people think about their bodies and minds, but they also highlight the need for credible, responsible information online Beauty Influencers Gaming influencers dominate platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Creators like @kai_cenat are known for energetic live streams and collaborations, while @michael.dicostanzo originally be- came famous for playing Wordle every day and sharing his results online. Over time, his content evolved, and now many of his videos focus on playing board games and interactive challenges with others. This shows that not all gaming influencers are dedicated strictly to video games, and some expand into other types of games and entertainment. @angryginge13 has built a strong audience through football-re- lated gaming content and reactions, and @ co_op64 focuses on nostalgic and Ninten- do-based content that appeals to long-ti- me gamers. The beauty industry is massive, and beauty influencers are at its core. Creators like @mikaylanogueira share makeup tutorials, product reviews, and transformations. Other well-known influen- cers include @nikkietutorials, one of the pioneers of beauty content on YouTube known for her detailed tutorials, collabo- rations, creative makeup looks and viral challenges; and @skincarebyhyram, who focuses on skincare education and ingre- dient analysis. More recently, creators like @alixearle have gained popularity through relatable “Get Ready With Meˮ videos that mix beau- ty with lifestyle. Influencers like @jackieai- Their content includes live gameplay, na have also played a key role in promoting reactions, challenges, and commentary on diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry, while @meredithduxbury has gone viral for her unconventional makeup techniques. new releases. Many also interact directly with their audiences through livestream chats, making their communities feel highly engaged and interactive. Their videos often include “Get Ready They play a huge role in shaping gaming With Me,ˮ product testing and reviews, tu- torials, and transformations, making them highly trusted by their audiences. trends, influencing which games become popular and how audiences experience them. Fashion influencers are your go-to for outfit ins- piration and style ideas. Some post daily outfit combinations, others analyze trends, and many share realistic hauls or thrift flips. For example, @kianabonollo mixes fas- hion with sewing, teaching followers how to create their own clothes. @transformationsbytracy runs a series where she transforms thrifted items into trendy outfits, promoting sustainability. Meanwhi- le, @madeleine_white combines fashion content with her personal life and even launched her own clothing brand. Their videos often include “Get Ready With Meˮ (GRWM), outfit transitions, or styling challenges. Theyʼre influential because they shape trends and encourage creativity, sometimes even pushing toward more sustainable fashion habits. Lifestyle influencers are everywhere,w Travel influencersmakeyou wantto book and for a good reason. a flight immediately. Unlike niche-specific creators, they share Creators like @drewbinsky are known for a bit of everything: daily routines, travel, relationships, skincare, and more. Creators like @tabithaswatosh or @kaylamalecc do- cument their everyday lives in a way that exploring the world. He famously set out to visit every country, sharing short videos about cultures and fun facts. @heyciara focuses on aesthetic, inspirational travel feels relatable yet aspirational. Couples like content, capturing beautiful destinations @connorandyvonne share funny and who- and personal experiences. Meanwhile, @ lesome relationship content that audiences markwiens combines travel with food, ex- love. ploring local cuisines and reacting enthu- siastically to every bite.Their content might include morning routines, weekend vlogs, or “spend the day with meˮ videos. Theyʼre especially valua- ble for brands because of their versatility, and for audiences because they feel like digital friends. Their videos often include destination guides, travel hacks, and cinematic clips of landscapes and food. They influence where people go and how they expe- rience travel. TikTok: @tabitha
Viral recipe Chicken Adobo Preparation time: 45 minutes Meme & Pop Culture Influencers Family Influencers Cooking Ingredients For the marinade For4 portions • 2/3 Cup of soy sauce • 2/3 Cup of vinegar (most vinegars work: malt, apple cider, sherry) • 2/3 Cup of water • 5 tbs of brown sugar • • • • • 1 tbs of peppercorns 3 bay leaves 4-5 garlic cloves 8 bone – in, skin - in chicken thighs 1 onion 1. Peel the garlic and crush it with the side of a knife so it splits a little 2. Place the chicken thighs, the crushed garlic, the pepper and the bay leaves in a bowl. 3. Then pour on top the soy sauce, the vinegar, the water and the brown sugar. Mix the ingredients, then cover and place in the fridge to marinate for 1 – 12 hours. 4. The longer you leave the marinate, the more flavourful the chicken will be, but a good indicator that it is ready to cook is that the sugar is fully dissolved. 1. Starting with a cold pan, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the liquid) and place the thighs skin-side down in the pan. Turn the heat to medium–high (around 6 on a 9-level scale). Cook until the skin renders its fat and turns golden, then flip and brown the other side. Remove the chicken and set aside. The chicken is not fully cooked yet, weʼll finish it later. 2. While the chicken browns, halve and peel the onion. Slice it crosswise into thin strips, cutting across the grain. 3. After removing the chicken, pour the rendered fat into a separate container, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan (donʼt pour it down the drain!!! It WILL clog your pipes). Throw the sliced onions in the pan, at medium – high heat until translucent, moving them around so they cook evenly. This will take about 5 minutes. 4. When the onions begin to take on a little colour, return the chicken to the pan and pour the reserved marinade over the top. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium (around 4–5 on a 9-level scale). 5. Let the sauce reduce until it becomes glossy and slightly thickened. Turn the chicken every few minutes to coat it evenly. The reduction should take 10–15 minutes. In the end, the world of influencers is more diverse than it first appears. While follower counts and viral trends matter, itʼs the niche, personality, and type of content that truly define a creatorʼs impact. From food videos that inspire what we eat to lifestyle content that shapes daily habits, content creators are constantly influencing more than we reali- ze. This is especially important when it comes to younger audiences. Studies suggest that a large percentage of teenagers trust influencers as much as, if not more than, traditio- nal celebrities, and many even see them as role models. In fact, nearly 50% of people use social media as a primary source of information in areas like health and wellness, highlighting just how powerful these voices can be. Because of this, influencers donʼt just entertain anymore, they often shape childrenʼs minds, opinions, and perceptions of the world. The content they create can influence everything from self-image and lifestyle choices to beliefs and values. So whether youʼre a viewer scrolling through your feed or a worried parent trying to connect with your teenager, understanding these different types of influencers isnʼt just interesting, itʼs essential. After all, in a world where everyone is watching, what we watch really does matter. These influencers are here to entertain Family influencersfocuson parentingand and make you laugh, and theyʼre very good everyday family life. at it. Creators like @maiaknight or @esthalla share content about raising children, daily routines, and family moments. Others, like @caitlinandleahh, mix parenting with hu- mor and relatable storytelling. Creators like @tank.sinatra build massi- ve audiences by posting relatable memes about everyday life, from procrastination to awkward social situations. Meanwhile, @ popcrave keeps followers constantly up- dated with celebrity news, viral moments, and entertainment trends in real time. On TikTok, @drewafualo has become famous for her hilarious reaction videos, often res- ponding to controversial takes with humor and confidence. Their videos often include parenting tips, family vlogs, or funny kid moments. While they can be heartwarming and helpful, they also raise important conversations about privacy and children growing up online. Their content includes memes, reaction videos, trending sounds, and celebrity updates. Theyʼre important because they shape internet humor and cultural conver- sations, especially among younger audien- ces. Adobo is the Philippines national dish. It can be made with multiple cuts of meat and consist in a soy sauce base marinate that becomes a sticky and glossy sauce. The in- gredients are very accessible, plus you donʼt need to work on the stove for hours just to get dinner on the table. In this case, we have chosen chicken thigs for protein because they are affordable, flavourful and basically impossible
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