Episode 2, titled “#crush,” delves deeper into the unsettling dynamics within Piper Rockelle’s influencer circle, known as “The Squad.” As the group’s online fame escalates, the episode exposes the blurred lines between orchestrated content and real-life relationships, raising concerns about the exploitation of young influencers.
The episode examines how Piper’s mother and manager, Tiffany Smith, curated on-screen “crushes” among Squad members to captivate audiences. These manufactured relationships often mirrored the children’s actual interactions, leading to confusion and emotional distress. Parents of Squad members express alarm over Smith’s inappropriate behavior and the unsettling attention the children received from adult fans. One parent recounts an incident where Smith allegedly dared a young girl to lick a smoothie off the pavement, highlighting the manipulative tactics employed for content creation.
The episode sheds light on the 2022 lawsuit filed by eleven former Squad members against Smith and her partner, Hunter Hill. The plaintiffs accused them of creating an environment rife with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The case was settled in 2024 for $1.85 million without an admission of guilt. Testimonies in the documentary reveal instances of Smith allegedly providing alcohol to minors and encouraging provocative behavior among the children.
Directed by Kief Davidson and Jenna Rosher, the docuseries continues to feature candid interviews with former Squad members and their families. The episode emphasizes the lack of regulations protecting child influencers and the psychological toll of their online personas. The unsettling revelations have sparked discussions about the need for stricter oversight in the digital content creation industry.
Filming Bad Influence presented unique challenges, particularly when capturing the experiences of teenagers navigating a topic that affects them profoundly and uniquely. Director of Photography Nicholas Kraus shared insights into the delicate balance required during production. He emphasized the importance of creating a safe and comfortable environment for the young participants, allowing them to share their stories authentically.
Kraus noted that the team’s approach was rooted in empathy and respect, ensuring that the teenagers felt heard and supported throughout the filming process. This thoughtful approach was crucial in portraying the gravity of the subject matter while maintaining the dignity of the young individuals involved.
As Bad Influence continues to unfold, it sheds light on the broader cultural implications of child influencers in the digital age. The series highlights how young children are thrust into the spotlight, often before they have the maturity to understand the long-term consequences of their online fame. With millions of followers, these children face immense pressure to perform and maintain an image that is often dictated by adults, including their own parents. This episode encourages viewers to reflect on the ethical responsibility of content creators, parents, and social media platforms in protecting vulnerable young talent.
Episode 2 of Bad Influence serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind the curated lives of child influencers. It challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of consuming such content and the responsibilities of those managing young talents. The episode underscores the urgency for systemic changes to safeguard the well-being of minors in the digital age.
