Streaming's Hidden Cost: Unchecked Influence and the Need for Critical Thinking

Streaming's Shadow: A College Student's Warning About Unchecked Online Influence The rise of streaming platforms has created a new generation of online influencers, many of whom are teenagers. A recent video by a college student, Victoria, highlights concerns about the lack of critical thinking skills among young streamers and the potential for negative influence. Victoria, who streams herself, states, "The nature of hardcore streaming is so all-consuming 24/7 that a lot of these kids...can't go to college." She points to the prevalence of problematic content on these platforms and the absence of adequate adult supervision as contributing factors. Her own experience in college, she says, has given her the tools to critically analyze content, a skill she believes many young streamers lack. This raises questions about the long-term effects of unchecked online influence on young people's development and the responsibility of platforms to foster a more critical and discerning online environment. The video concludes with a call for young people to engage in activities that promote critical thinking and self-reflection.