Kaitlyn Anderson, Cornell University

Pinterest has recently rolled out a new creator’s fund, but what is it and how are people using it to make money?

Joy Young, Chapman University

Does catering to the social media influencer provide a worthy investment for a company, or is it just another privilege for the growing industry?

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

Young people can laugh along and play games with their favorite influencers thanks to this show.

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

After weeks of guilt trips and manipulation, fans have decided the artist’s new single isn’t worth all the trouble it caused online.

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

The popular app is fun and addictive, but it may also have some negatives effects on users, especially young people.

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

With social media encouraging a culture of one-upping competitors, broadcasted fights may be the next step to achieving internet fame.

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

The Joe Keery-led comedy-horror film satirizes influencer culture and sheds light on the consequences of online narcissism.

Danielle Kuzel, Florida State University

Sponsored content on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are becoming more and more prevalent. At the very least, the process of posting paid promotions needs to be more transparent.

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

The Hawaiian influencer released her new cookbook, which promotes eating more fruits and vegetables to alleviate what ails you.

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

When creating content, some stars see disobeying government mandates as a small price to pay, proving not all influencers should be considered role models.

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

These influencers are breaking down typical male stereotypes by exhibiting vulnerability on their popular YouTube channel and podcast.

Jackie Sizing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

These accounts are giving the gossip on some of YouTube’s biggest influencers — and playing a not insignificant role in online cancel culture.

Kaitlyn Nuebel, University of Pittsburgh

Apple TV+’s latest series uses letters from people all over the world to demonstrate the impact one person can have.

Kali Johnson, Gustavus Adolphus College

It’s become an integral part of our lives, affecting the way we feel about ourselves — and possibly causing some financial drawbacks as well.

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

April is Autism Awareness Month, but these Instagram accounts are educating people about autism all year round.

Nayeli G. Pena, Colorado College

Chances are, you probably didn’t know who created the ‘Renegade’ dance a few weeks ago.

Mirella Gonzales, Texas Tech University

These products aren’t as harmless as influencers make them seem.

Alyssa Alexander, SUNY Buffalo State

You won’t see too many black creators advertised on the video-sharing site, so here’s something to help get you started.

Aliza Pelto, Pratt Institute

“It looks as though the beauty community may still need a crash course in inclusivity and kindness.”

Lauren Do, Davidson College

You might not want to throw out those college degrees just yet.

Sophie Westergren, Ithaca College

Being you is the trendiest thing to be.

Chloe Pingeon, Colgate University

Meet Instagram’s most original (and most controversial) influencer.

Camilla Forte, Columbia College Chicago

Although controversial, influencers can spark positive change.

Elise Bortz, New York University

If you don’t have an Instagram account, no worries — everyone hates it (but will still use it despite your absence).