In the gripping conclusion of Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing, Episode 3, titled “#unfollow,” the docuseries delves into the aftermath of the Squad’s disbandment and the ensuing legal and emotional turmoil. This final episode showcases how Tiffany Smith’s retaliatory actions against former Squad members who attempted to distance themselves led to a bombshell lawsuit and a high-profile FBI investigation. It reveals the dark side of the “kidfluencer” industry, where young people are encouraged to create content for massive online audiences, often at the cost of their own well-being.
The episode provides intimate interviews with the now-estranged Squad members and their families, giving a voice to those who have been affected by the intense pressure of online fame. One of the key revelations involves the lawsuit filed in 2022 by eleven former Squad members against Tiffany Smith and her partner Hunter Hill, accusing them of creating an environment rife with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. This lawsuit eventually led to a settlement in 2024 for $1.85 million, but crucially, it was settled without any admission of guilt from Smith and Hill.
The documentary takes viewers inside the murky world of kidfluencing, exploring the lack of regulations in the digital landscape and how children are often thrust into an adult world of fame without the necessary support or guidance. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the pressures and dangers faced by young influencers in an unregulated digital ecosystem.
The most gripping aspect of Episode 3 is the legal fallout following the disbandment of the Squad. The lawsuit filed by the former Squad members paints a shocking picture of the influence Smith and Hill had over the children involved. Testimonies in the episode reveal that Tiffany allegedly provided alcohol to minors and even encouraged provocative behavior among the kids. The children’s experiences raise concerns about the extent to which influencers and creators exploit young talents for monetary gain, often without regard for their psychological well-being.
As the case escalates, it also attracted the attention of the FBI, highlighting the serious legal implications of the influencer industry. This was one of the key moments in the episode that exemplifies how unchecked power in the hands of social media influencers can lead to catastrophic consequences. Despite the financial settlement, many of the affected former Squad members continue to deal with the emotional scars from their experiences. This brings the issue of child influencer protection to the forefront, questioning whether current legal frameworks are sufficient to handle the unique challenges presented by the rise of social media stardom.
Directed by Kief Davidson and Jenna Rosher, Episode 3 of Bad Influence is a masterclass in investigative documentary filmmaking. The directors ensure that the emotional complexity of the subjects is captured authentically, as they give voice to those who have suffered in the wake of their experiences. The production team went to great lengths to ensure the safety and privacy of the former Squad members, some of whom were minors at the time of the events, allowing them to share their stories without fear of retribution.
The filmmakers dive deep into the wider implications of the kidfluencer industry, showing how, despite its glamorous exterior, the digital fame game can be incredibly exploitative. They provide a nuanced portrayal of how social media can create an illusion of freedom and fun for young people, while simultaneously exposing them to a world of manipulation and exploitation by adults seeking to profit from their fame.
Episode 3 of Bad Influence serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind the curated lives of child influencers. It challenges viewers to reconsider the ethics behind the content they consume and the influencers they support. In an industry where fame can be fleeting and at times destructive, the series emphasizes the need for a strong regulatory framework to protect minors involved in the digital space. This final episode urges parents, influencers, and audiences alike to consider the long-term consequences of encouraging young people to build their identities and self-worth based on online validation.
It’s a powerful exploration of the dark side of a trend that has become ubiquitous in the social media era. The issues raised are far from being just a “tabloid drama,” but rather speak to the broader question of how society handles the exploitation of minors in the pursuit of fame and fortune. Bad Influence leaves viewers with a call to action—one that urges them to think critically about the world of online fame and to advocate for better protection for young influencers.
