Fresh Take: Fortesa Latifi on the Truth About Kids in Influencer Families

What happens when childhood becomes content? Journalist Fortesa Latifi, author of the new book LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, discusses the rise of influencer families and the growing world of kid influencers. We explore how parenting content has evolved from "mommy blogs" to today’s visual and monetized social media landscape, where children are often at the center of viral content.

Fortesa explains why family vlogging is so compelling, and the powerful parasocial relationships audiences form with influencer families. She also breaks down the ethical gray areas of sharing kids online, including issues of privacy, consent, and the long-term digital footprint created for children who cannot fully understand or agree to their online presence.

Fortesa discusses the role of viewers in driving demand for this content and the emerging legal efforts to regulate earnings and protect influencer kids. She offers a nuanced look at family vlogging, encouraging parents and audiences alike to think more critically about what it means to share children’s lives online.

Here's where you can find Fortesa:

• https://www.fortesalatifi.com
• @hifortesa on socials
• Buy LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781668080504

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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