Digital Smarts - Those With Influence

According to recent research about a third of Americans, ages 16 to 34 (about 25.5 million people), can be classified as social media “influencers,” who can be categorized into three tiers - 18% in the top category of "socialite," 61% as "rising stars," and 17% as "newbies". These categories are determined by the number of followers they have and whether they are tied into a brand online – something all the “socialites” have done. Yahoo noted that influencer marketing – where the brands let their biggest fans speak for them – is about to explode. This topic is a good reminder to talk to your kids about how there are many people online – possibly even their peers – who are being paid to say a product is good.