56% of adults under the age of 35 would like a job as an influencer

UP TO 60 per cent of adults under 35 would like a job as an influencer, according to research by Citywest broadband and telecoms provider Pure Telecom.

The research, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom as part of its Connected Lives survey, examined how people in Ireland use social media and their attitude towards influencers.

It found that up to 56 per cent believe they would earn more money as an influencer than they do now.

Top reasons given for wanting to be a social media influencer are having an interest in it, and getting free products and services.

On the other hand, top reasons given by those who would steer clear of an influencing career were a lack of interest, followed by a belief that they would not be good at it, as well as privacy concerns and the pressure of public scrutiny.

The survey showed insights into the effect of social media influencers on shopping habits.

Over two in five of social media users said that influencers have an impact their purchasing decisions and choices. This impact was most noticeable among Gen Z (those aged 26 and younger), with nearly just over half reporting that influencers impact such decisions. As the age profile increased, the impact waned – still, more than a third of Baby Boomers (aged 59-77) said their choices had been swayed by influencers.

Pure Telecom’s research found that nearly half of the population post at least once a week on their chosen social media platforms.

More than one-in-10 post on social media every day or more.

Potential consequences of posting too much revealed nearly half mute people if their posts become irritating and one in five have done so to a family member.

In more extreme cases, one-in-10 have actually ended a friendship due to someone’s social media posts.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom, said the ease of access sees people now turning to influencers for “tips and inspiration on the things that are important to them.”

“Be that feeling good about themselves, cooking nutritious family meals or simply having a laugh. So, is it any wonder that so many of us want to use our talents, knowledge or interests and make a career out of them while making people happy at the same time?

“Whether people want to be in front of the camera influencing or behind the screen watching, we at Pure Telecom are committed to providing the connectivity to make it happen.”