Why Gen Z Trust Social Media Influencers More Than Traditional Experts

5mins read: Gen Z Prefers TikTok Influencers Over Experts—What That Means for Truth and Misinformation.

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Hey Small Biters,

Why Gen Z Trust Social Media Influencers More Than Traditional Experts

• Influencers as the New Experts – A growing number of Gen Z individuals are trusting influencers on platforms like TikTok and YouTube over traditional experts, including doctors, teachers, and career advisors. Many see influencers as more relatable and accessible compared to institutional figures, which enhances their credibility in the eyes of younger audiences.

• Rise of Misinformation and the Risk of Echo Chambers – While influencers can provide valuable insights, there is a growing issue of misinformation, particularly when influencers spread unverified or misleading claims about health, finance, and current events. The platform’s algorithm also plays a role in reinforcing echo chambers, where users primarily see content that aligns with their existing beliefs rather than objective facts.