Netflix has found a goldmine in documentaries that expose disturbing realities. In recent years, the platform has invested in productions that unravel the shadows of the world of entertainment, social media, and digital influence. In this hyperconnected era, where virality dictates success and opportunities seem limitless, fame at a young age remains a double-edged sword. The difference is that today, the spotlight is not only on stages or television sets, but on every screen connected to the internet, leaving children exposed to unprecedented levels of pressure, exploitation, and manipulation.
PUBLICIDAD
‘Bad Influence’: the dark side of child fame on social media
‘Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing’, the new documentary from Netflix premiering on April 9th, is a chilling look at this phenomenon. Directed by Jenna Rosher and Kief Davidson, the three-part documentary reveals the dark secrets behind children’s digital fame through the story of Piper Rockelle, an influencer who became a YouTube sensation at 8 years old. However, behind the seemingly innocent and fun content she starred in with her group of friends, known as ‘The Squad’, there was a terrifying reality of manipulation, abuse, and exploitation orchestrated by her mother and manager, Tiffany Smith.
PUBLICIDAD
Who is Piper Rockelle and what was ‘The Squad’?
Piper Rockelle, now 17 years old, rose to fame by posting videos on YouTube that included pranks, challenges, and activities with her friends, many of whom were also young aspiring influencers. ‘The Squad’ was a group of child influencers who created content together, appeared in each other’s videos, and built a community of followers that numbered in the millions. At first glance, their world seemed like a fantasy of limitless fun and guaranteed success, however, the truth behind the scenes was different.
As time passed, former members of the group and their parents began to notice disturbing patterns in the behavior of Tiffany Smith, Piper’s mother, who controlled every aspect of their lives and careers. Allegations against her include psychological manipulation, extreme pressure, and even physical and emotional abuse. In 2022, 11 former members of ‘The Squad’ filed a lawsuit against her, accusing her of creating an abusive and toxic environment.
Manipulation and exploitation: the other side of fame
The Netflix documentary showcases testimonies from several of Piper’s former colleagues, who reveal how Tiffany Smith used manipulation tactics to maintain control over the children and their careers. Some of them even moved into Piper’s house, where her mother managed their schedules, interactions, and content with an iron fist. According to the statements, Smith promoted uncomfortable situations and forced inappropriate dynamics under the justification that “sex sells,” an extremely questionable strategy when dealing with minors.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the case is the economic exploitation. With estimated earnings of up to $500,000 per month, Piper Rockelle was one of the most profitable child influencers in the digital world. However, the question raised by the documentary is: at what cost? The fact that children are exposed to millions of followers, including adult audiences, without clear regulations, highlights a legal and ethical void in the children’s content creator industry.