American journalist Fortesa Latifi, who covers the influencer world for publications including the Washington Post and Rolling Stone, is releasing a new book this spring examining the impact of growing up online. According to a report from Swedish public broadcaster SVT Kultur, Latifi's book "Like, follow, subscribe. Child influencers and the cost of a childhood online" explores the consequences for children who spend their formative years in the public eye.
Latifi has focused particularly on family-related content, including mothers, children, and family vloggers. She notes that the global influencer industry generated nearly 300 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $28 billion) in 2025 and continues to grow.
On a fundamental level, the cost is privacy. I can google these influencer children and find videos of their potty training, their outbursts, and their hospital visits.
"On a fundamental level, the cost is privacy," Latifi told SVT Kultur. "I can google these influencer children and find videos of their potty training, their tantrums, and their hospital visits."
The journalist argues that being constantly observed by followers deprives children of independence and that the digital footprint created by parents can continue to affect a person's autonomy later in life. "The ability to grow up without constantly being confronted with your younger self is truly a gift," she said.
The ability to grow up without constantly being confronted with your younger self is truly a gift.
Latifi observes a shift in the United States, where more children who grew up online are becoming adults and speaking about their experiences. Many have also stopped posting content featuring their own children.