#SponsoredAds: monitoring influencer marketing to young audiences

Livingstone, Sonia ORCID: 0000-0002-3248-9862 and Rahali, Miriam (2022) #SponsoredAds: monitoring influencer marketing to young audiences. Media Policy Briefs (23). London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.

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Abstract

Changes in children’s media habits, namely their access to and participation in online activities, have warranted concern from parents and advocates. This brief locates children at the epicenter of an exploding digital media landscape, and considers the way their deep connection to technology has generated new non-traditional marketing opportunities. Brands are actively using the internet to reach young consumers, primarily via social media influencers, whose online presence tends to blur the boundaries between commercial and entertainment content. Children are particularly susceptible to influencer marketing because their ability to effectively identify persuasive messages has not yet fully developed. As such, they are less likely to critically evaluate advertisements because sponsored brand posts by social media influencers can often appear trustworthy and honest. In this brief, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of existing regulation before reviewing the opportunities and challenges that influencer culture presents to young children. Recommendations are made to relevant stakeholders – such as parents, educators and policymakers – to help children better recognize influencer marketing and make well-informed, conscious consumption choices.

Item Type:	Monograph (Report)
Additional Information:	© 2022 The Authors
Divisions:	Media and Communications
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > PN1990 Broadcasting H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2022 08:57
Last Modified:	14 Sep 2024 04:54
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/113644

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