Netflix Docuseries: The Impact of Growing Up on Social Media in “Bad Influence”

At a recent birthday party for my son, we hired a magician who asked the kids what they wanted to be when they grew up. Surprisingly, many of them said they wanted to be YouTube stars, with a few aspiring doctors and gamers in the mix. It’s no wonder, considering how many kids idolize their favorite content creators on YouTube. But there’s a troubling side to the world of “kidfluencing” that is becoming more and more concerning. This is the focus of the Netflix docuseries Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing.

The series delves into the story of a YouTuber named Piper Rockelle, now 17, who grew up on social media alongside her friends known as “the Squad.” Together, they amassed millions of dollars through their videos, managed by Rockelle’s mother, Tiffany Smith. However, some families are speaking out, claiming that not everyone benefited from the Squad’s success. They allege that their children were forever changed after being part of this machine. The docuseries features interviews with these families, experts, and former Squad members, revealing stories of abuse, exploitation, and predatory behavior.

According to the families interviewed, Rockelle and her mother ran a tight ship, with some Squad members even living with them to create more content. Parents claim that attempts to distance themselves from the Squad resulted in being shunned and losing their social media following. In fact, 11 former Squad members filed a lawsuit in January 2022, alleging emotional, physical, and sometimes sexual abuse while under Rockelle’s mom’s management. The lawsuit was settled for $1.85 million.

While Rockelle, Smith, and their associates deny these claims and did not participate in the docuseries, directors Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson provide ample video footage to help audiences understand their side. The series shines a light on the lack of protections for children in this industry, questioning the role of adults who may not fully grasp the impact of social media on young influencers.

Bad Influence also touches on issues like social media stalking, substance abuse, and the power of algorithms in promoting kid-influencing content. Ultimately, the docuseries serves as a wake-up call, urging change to protect children in the ever-evolving world of social media. Families are fighting to be heard and striving for a safer environment for kids pursuing their dreams online.