Social media is filled with influencers who share content that sometimes spreads false or misleading information. Millions of users are exposed to these claims every month, with 94% of people encountering false online content. Young people aged 10 to 21 are especially at risk, as 96% of them use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X. In the UK, 30 million people use TikTok each month, making it a key platform for this age group. This exposure can lead to what experts call "internet introjects." The term comes from psychology and was first used by Sándor Ferenczi in the early 1900s. Introjection refers to when people unconsciously take in ideas, values, or messages from others and adopt them as their own. According to psychotherapist Amanda McDonald, these absorbed messages can become someone’s "inner voice." While parents, friends, and teachers are common sources of these messages, social media influencers can also be powerful introjects, spreading both positive and harmful messages. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to this process because they are forming their own identities and have a strong need to belong. Amanda explains that during adolescence, the need to belong often outweighs other concerns, and young people may seek this connection through social media. This can lead to the adoption of harmful beliefs, such as misogynistic attitudes. For example, Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, gained popularity on TikTok in 2021. Although his influence has since waned, nearly half of UK teachers report that boys exhibit misogynistic behavior in schools, and 54% say this behavior is common among secondary school students. Girls, too, can be influenced by online content that emphasizes physical appearance as the most important trait for women. Some 17 and 18-year-old girls feel pressure to "look flawless," focusing on their appearance, clothing, makeup, and background. Amanda notes that influencers often present information in a fast and simplified way, often framing issues as right or wrong without nuance. This can make young people feel as if these messages are deeply personal, even though they come from external sources. Parents may find it challenging to watch their children adopt values that differ from their own. However, open dialogue and critical thinking can help bridge this gap. Amanda encourages parents to engage in discussions with their teens, asking them to explain their views and supporting them in forming their own opinions. By modeling respectful disagreement and emphasizing evidence-based reasoning, parents can help their children develop a more authentic sense of self, separate from the influences they encounter online.