Are We Exploiting Our Kids for Content?: The Cost of a Childhood Online with Fortesa Latifi

In this thought-provoking episode, Tara chats with journalist and author Fortesa Latifi to unpack the complicated world of influencer culture through the lens of her new book, Like, Follow, Subscribe. Together, they explore the rise of family vlogging and the often-blurred lines between sharing and oversharing, especially when children are involved. Fortesa shares how a viral story she wrote for Teen Vogue sparked a deeper investigation into the financial incentives, ethical gray areas, and emotional realities behind influencer parenting. From staggering earnings to the quiet cost of constant visibility, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really means to build a life (and a livelihood) online. Tara and Fortesa also dive into the pressures facing modern mothers in the age of social media, where expectations can feel both amplified and unattainable. They discuss how community and connection can coexist with isolation, and how cultural influences shape the identities of influencers and their audiences alike. Rather than offering black-and-white answers, this episode invites listeners to embrace nuance and ask more thoughtful questions about the content they consume and create. It’s an honest, eye-opening conversation that challenges us to rethink what we value, what we share, and at what cost. Links: https://amzn.to/42jwpXS https://www.instagram.com/hifortesa/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.