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Influencer – for an entire generation, this has become a serious career aspiration, if not a dream job. It sounds too tempting: posing a little in front of the camera, getting a few likes, and suddenly the well-paid advertising collaborations come in effortlessly. They film themselves while doing their makeup, travel to paradise locations, stay fit with sports, and share their tips with fans. However, behind this facade lies a profit-driven business that creates significant desires and dependencies among users. Children become puppets of consumer society, and adults are increasingly influenced and unsettled, whether it concerns food, travel, or having children. Influencers manipulate our behavior and, driven by the pursuit of clicks and profit, become a genuine force of opinion – with dramatic consequences for society. Alicia Joe reports firsthand: she is one of the most successful German-speaking YouTubers and knows the social media world all too well. Together with journalist Sabine Winkler, she uncovers the dark sides of influencers and reveals through numerous examples just how far the negative influence of top stars really extends – from beauty and travel bloggers to self-proclaimed mental health coaches. An important book for parents, teachers, caregivers, and anyone who enjoys spending time on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and similar platforms.