Media Alert!
August 2025
Blog #69
Sue Summers
MediaSavvyKids.org
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
What is a Social Media Influencer?
We’re all familiar with the term, “social media”. Because of the ubiquitous presence of social media in our culture, a new category of “careers” has emerged – social media influencers who drive the trends on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Pinterest, and many others. Some recent polls found more than half of Gen Zers are interested in careers as social media influencers and say their dream job is to become an online celebrity. (www.cnbc.com/2023/09/20/more-than-half-of-gen-zers-think-they-can-easily-make-a-career-in-influencing.html)
“With 5.31 billion social media users worldwide – accounting for 63.9% of the global population – social platforms have become necessary hubs for gathering information, connecting with our friends and loved ones, and growing our businesses.” (www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media/social-media-platforms)
A social media influencer refers to “a person on social media who has a significant following, usually in a distinct niche such as fashion, technology, or travel. They will frequently post about their subject on their social media platforms, or maybe a website blog, thus building up a reputation for being an expert in it.” (https://deliveredsocial.com/what-is-a-social-influencer)
Social media influencers post their opinions, information, or rants on social media platforms and gain followers – often millions of them!
These are the top 3 influencers right now:
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo – 1 Billion Followers
“Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t just the most-followed person on social media; he’s a global phenomenon. His status as one of the greatest athletes ever, paired with countless awards and championships, has made him a household name. You’ve probably seen his posts showcasing his fitness routines, family moments, and luxury lifestyle. These give fans a glimpse into his life beyond the football field.”
#2 Selena Gomez – 686.5 Million Followers
“Selena Gomez has mastered the art of connecting with her audience. Her openness about mental health struggles resonates deeply, especially with Millennials and Gen Z. She doesn’t just talk about it – she acts on it. Her beauty brand, Rare Beauty, includes mental health resources, creating a community that feels supported and heard.”
#3 Justin Bieber – 596.1 Million Followers
“Justin Bieber’s journey from a YouTube sensation to a global superstar is nothing short of inspiring. He’s often said that social media launched his career, and he’s right. His early YouTube videos introduced his music to millions, laying the foundation for his massive following today.” (www.scrumball.com/blog/top-social-media-influencers-examples-2025)
When we look at the vast number of their followers, it’s no wonder that social media influencers impact the behavior, thinking, and attitudes of teens, sometimes resulting in a conformity which can have the power to sway our entire culture.
It is a question to be considered: Why do our teens – and many others – choose to follow the leadership of social media celebrities?
In reality, each of us is a COI – Center Of Influence – though the number of our followers will probably be double digits rather than thousands or millions. We communicate our values, ideas, opinions, and impressions with those around us. We may not post our feelings or thoughts each day, but our words, body language, and actions show others who we are and who we follow.
In His day, Jesus was a social influencer. Consider this abbreviated list of how He impacted the world:
The Unique Christ (Author unknown)
He had no cornfields or fisheries,
But He could spread a table for five thousand
And have bread and fish to spare!
He walked on no beautiful carpets or velvet rugs,
But He walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee
And they supported Him!
Three years he preached His gospel;
He wrote no book,
Built no church-house,
Had no monetary backing;
But after 2000 years,
He is the one Central Character in human history;
The pivot, around which
The events of the ages revolve,
And the only Regenerator of the human race!
Jesus is the world’s most well-known and significant human to ever live. Have we spent enough time letting others know who we follow?
So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?
Church is where we learn and grow and connect with like-minded Christ-followers. But this “Sunday morning thinking” shouldn’t be put on the shelf the rest of the week. Spend time with teens embedding Christian topics and ideas into conversations throughout the week. Here are some discussion-starters to help parents, teachers, youth pastors – and others who care about young people – discuss social media influencers and move Jesus into the #1 social influencer position in teens’ lives.
• Ask, “Have you ever followed a social media influencer online? If so, which one(s)? What do you like about them?”
• Share, “Social media influencers post their opinions, information, or rants on social media platforms and gain followers – often millions of them!” Ask, “Why do you think these influencers are a significant part of our culture?”
• Share, “Let’s go to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram account together and read today’s post. He has more than 1 billion followers. What do you think makes him so popular?”
• Ask, “Did you know that many social media influencers are using their posts to gain monetary benefits from companies whose brands are embedded into their posts? These are really ads, then, aren’t they? How do you feel about that?”
• Share and discuss this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyXzz6PQh-c
• Share, “In his day, Jesus was a social influencer. Of course, there was no Internet then. How did Jesus spread his message about the gospel?”
• Share, “Think about it… Jesus lived 2000 years ago and is still the most influential man who ever lived. What causes this on-going phenomenon?”
• Share, “Let’s discuss this verse from James 2:1: ‘My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith.’”
• Read Romans 12:2 together. Ask, “Is the above scripture (James 2:1) related to Romans 12:2? If so, how?”
• Share, “Each of us is a COI – Center Of Influence – and has an impact on those around us. How can our commitment as Christ-followers be apparent to others?”
• Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.
//
Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.
She is the Director of Media Alert!
Contact Info:
Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org
Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org
Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org
#MediaSavvyKids, #ChristianParenting, #ChurchAndCulture, #YouthPastors, #YouthGroupCurriculum, #HelpForChristianParents, #TeensAndCulture, #AChangingCulture, #CriticalThinkingAndTeens, #IAmNotDefinedByTheCulture, #Discernment, #WhatIsASocialMediaInfluencer?, #JesusWasASocialInfluencer, #BeACenterOfInfluence
Join the movement!
“I am not defined by the culture®” tee shirts are now available.
Navy blue, men’s sizes: Medium – XL: $20; 2XL & 3XL: $23
FREE SHIPPING!
PayPal is now available for purchases at: http://www.MediaAlert.org
© Sue Summers 2025
Media Alert! 