Psychology professor: Three reasons influencers connect more with youth than parents

Dr. Omar Al-Shalash, a psychology professor at Qassim University, has identified three key reasons why influencers tend to connect more with young people than their own parents. During an interview on Al-Ikhbariya Radio, the professor highlighted three distinct traits that make influencers more relatable to the younger generation.

Firstly, influencers consistently appear in the lives of young people through their speech and communication. This daily presence, coupled with their similar interests and manner of speaking, creates a sense of familiarity that is often lacking in parent-child relationships. The professor noted that influencers use the same language as young people, which helps to form a strong social connection.

Secondly, influencers may possess certain qualities that parents or relatives do not. While parents play a crucial role in shaping a child's values and beliefs, influencers often offer a different perspective on success and personal worth. The phenomenon of equating material possessions with success has led young people to view their own lives as less valuable in comparison to the carefully curated images presented by influencers.

Lastly, the one-sided nature of these relationships further contributes to the strong bond between influencers and their young followers. While influencers may receive support and admiration from their followers, they do not receive the same level of emotional investment or personal connection that they would from a parent or relative. This imbalance in the relationship dynamic allows influencers to maintain a level of credibility and relatability that is often unmatched by those who are closest to them in life.