17.4 Post Me, See Me, Influence Me

December 2025

Volume 17 Number 4

See Me

Post Me

ME Features

Interviews

Rethinking Future Influence Hanna Vanharanta's Digital Time Capsule Torres Pit: Always Exploring

Is Modern Boyhood Toxic?

Writing Your Own Way

2 Let us hear

OVERVIEW

4

INTERVIEWS

6

Redefining Trust, Values and Community Judith Lee

THEME SECTION

Professor Dino Zhang: Rethinking Future Influence Through Its Past

9

Lawyer Benjamin Choi: Influence Responsibly

13

Hanna Vanharanta: Creating a Digital Time Capsule

ON THE SIDE

16

Hong Kong Races to Catch Up

YOUTH SPEAK

17

Followers: What We Follow

23

in Live Commerce Influencers: How We Influence

YOUTH WATCH

30

What do Influencers Influence?

HKFYG SERVICES

34

How the Federation Supports Youth Influencers

OPINION

36

YOUTH SPACE

Is Modern Boyhood Toxic?

Oscar Cheung

WRITING

38

Writing Your Own Way Kirsten Choi

MUSIC

40

Soundtracks of My Life Paisley Kwok

READING

42

Book Worm Hedwig Siu

Youth Hong Kong December 2025 Volume 17 Number 4 YOUTH HONG KONG published quarterly

by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

ARTWORK & DESIGN Bryan Tsui COVER DESIGN Bryan Tsui, GenAI

EDITORIAL BOARD Hsu Siu-man Lakshmi Jacota William Chung Ada Chau Christa Cheung Judith Lee Marco Yu Miranda Ho Mia Yao

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HKFYG HIGHTLIGHTS

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Finding Home, Building Bridges

ORGANIC FARM

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Be Organic Be Healthy

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Winter School

COMMUNITY

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EDITORIAL | December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong 3

When I was growing up, the people we considered “influencers” were generally our family and teachers, as well as our friends and peers. Sometimes, we took inspiration from celebrities and traditional mass media. However, on the whole, we tended to be influenced by those whom we knew in real life.

Social media and technology have changed all that. Now we are being more influenced by people we don’t even know. They are informing us about things that might, in the end, shape the way we think about education or employment; about how we construct and construe our leisure activities or what we could/should aspire towards. Sometimes, these influencers just share their daily lives, and we follow them — out of curiosity, amusement, or as a means of escape.

These carefully curated lives thrive on those who follow them, and for many young people, in particular, this is part of their daily lives. Yet this global cultural phenomenon is, quite frankly, something that we really don’t fully understand.

This issue of Youth Hong Kong, therefore, will examine some cornerstones of this culture. We talk to academics, psychologists, social workers and lawyers, as well as influencers themselves and, of course, those who follow them.

This important cultural shift in our world calls for us to nurture a generation who are more media literate and more responsible, both in how we use our own influence and whom we let influence us. Let’s decipher the nuances together! We wish you all the best for the New Year!

HSU Siu-man

Executive Director, HKFYG December 2025

4

OVERVIEW

by Judith Lee

A look at how influencer culture has evolved into a new attention-seeking economy that reshapes the way we see and interact with the world.

I’ve always been proud to be a millennial, born of a

experience and scripted narratives. This profound shift,

generation that experienced life without the glow of a

which extends far beyond mere advertising, is more

internet. This dual perspective means our memory of the

previously accepted values and our community.

smartphone and then within the full, disruptive force of the world is still sharp: phone cords, landlines, and celebrities defined by local television stations.

The analogue world’s monopoly on attention didn't just

fade — it exploded, ushering in a fragmented new

reality. The rise of video and short-form content like Instagram Reels and TikTok, alongside platforms

popular across Asia such as Xiaohongshu (RedNote or 小紅書), added a type of “virtual” authenticity and

emotional immediacy. It seems that the entire attention game is now run by influencers, Key Opinion Leaders

(KOLs), or content creators, a massive group of people

who, by virtue of simply turning their entire personal lives into a product, have blurred the lines between real

than a marketing trend; it has come to redefine trust, What this means is that, at its core, this new culture of

influence represents the pervasive shift in media consumption, commerce, and interpersonal

relationships driven by digital personalities. It is a

system built on the ability of ordinary people to build trust, seek attention, and turn their passion into a career.

Wait a minute: is it just a new culture, or is it a new

economy? It is essentially a new economic system

where personal identity is recognised and monetised.

Digital creators run their own media empires, and it is more common that consumers trust the influencers more than celebrities or people around them.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

A classic example is Chiara Ferragni, the Italian fashion

stop people from losing interest. Everything they do,

icon who transformed a blog into a global multi-million

including eating, working out, and even arguing with

her story is the ultimate blueprint for turning influence

basically means they don't have a private life anymore; it

Euro brand. With over 28 million followers on Instagram, into a scalable business, whereby she meticulously

monetised her personal life by strategically leveraging her followers to launch her own physical product line and media agency.

Its impact lies not only in terms of building up personal

brands, but this culture has changed the way we see the world. I once dreamed of becoming a travel journalist

when studying photojournalism. I wanted to capture the real heart of a place, how people live, their best

moments and the place’s uniqueness, all through a

camera lens, write an article and then share them in the newspaper. That powerful, old-school impulse to

document and share the world hasn't vanished; it has merely evolved. With the rise of influencers, we now

have a more immediate and penetrative way of seeing the entire globe.

The generic travel writing of yesterday was often — but

not exclusively — about polished photos, perfect

itineraries, and fancy hotels. Today, influencers dive into the micro-experiences of a trip or a local outing,

discovering the tiny, messy, yet amazing elements of a city. When they share their struggles, their real-time

reactions, or those beautifully unedited moments, they immediately break down that barrier between viewer

and destination. They're not some expert reporting on a culture, but more like your best friend exploring alongside you.

I believe that the continuous sharing helps travellers

avoid travel disasters. Traditional guides might miss the small stuff, but influencers fill that gap by offering

down-to-earth details not always found anywhere else.

For example, they provide vital warnings about

prevalent tourist scams, share candid lessons on

cultural etiquette mistakes, and give heads-up about the way you dress or tip.

Travel influencers turn their experiences into practical,

real-world utility for millions. However, there is a caution to this too — the danger of being too intrusive and not

culturally sensitive or caring just to get a good story. So, as with everything else, discernment is critical.

While on the surface the influencer lifestyle through

their storytelling might appear to be carefree, exotic and envy-inducing, it is actually a huge struggle for these creators to balance their projected image while also

trying to be their true selves. They easily burn out trying

to be present 24/7 just to keep the algorithms happy and

their partners, can be turned into consumable content. It all gets turned into a product.

Chasing algorithmic trends and securing commercial

partnerships often undermines the public's perception of a creator's genuineness. For instance, many brand

deals are hidden or inadequately disclosed. Yet, some influencers manage to navigate this promotional

minefield, retaining the trust they have cultivated with

their audience while effectively endorsing products. This dynamic underscores once again why media literacy is essential today.

This new attention-seeking economy relies on complex,

multi-layered monetisation far beyond basic brand

sponsorship, with creator revenue from paid posts,

merchandise, and subscriptions. Crucially, success now pivots on engagement rate. This focus on deep

connection drives the rise of micro-influencers and

necessitates the constant output of highly personalised content.

Young people who participate in this new business

model are, in essence, starting small businesses, after acquiring vital transferable skills in editing, data

analytics, budget management, and persuasion tactics.

The creator journey functions as a real-world vocational training programme, offering youth a competitive

advantage beyond traditional academic qualifications.

In a city defined by high-pressure, narrow career paths

dominated by finance and property, could this be a

genuine economic opportunity? By bypassing rigid

corporate structures and basing earnings from niche

passions, this seems like a thrilling new blueprint for life and work, providing a robust alternative to the latest challenging financial realities.

Ultimately, influencer culture is not a passing trend but

more an economic and cultural shift, based on trust

being established within unknown communities, and

value being redefined. While some may argue that this

model represents our traditional ways of being, I believe it simply provides a modern model for skill acquisition, social relevance, and personal expression for youth nowadays, and at the same time, new forms of consumption behaviour.

Who knows what attention seekers will plan next? With

the media landscape constantly changing and relying more and more on the online connection between a

creator and their most engaged followers, we’ll have to wait and see.

5

6

INTERVIEW 1

Rethinking Future Influence Through Its Past

While many dismiss influencers as shallow, Assistant Professor Dino Zhang argues that only by understanding the history of online content can we shape a more diverse and meaningful digital future.

At a crowded lunch spot, diners with wearable

cameras are describing each bite they eat. On a

A Culturally Nuanced Lens

Hong Kong footbridge, domestic workers on

Despite influencers becoming a part of daily life and

picnic mats are coaxing one another into TikTok

shaping young people’s aspirations, Dino says society

dances. Around the corner, a cluster of

still tends to dismiss this phenomenon as “a bunch of

schoolboys records a new viral drink challenge.

kids doing random things online and not contributing

For many passers-by, the instinctive reaction is

to society.” To understand this culture better, the

a quiet, mumbled: Ugh, just another influencer

School of Creative Media in 2023 launched the

wannabe.

Influencer Studies Stream, a postgraduate programme

“We're living in a society where being an

contemporary influencer practices through a nuanced

influencer means being something extremely

banal. There's nothing special about it,” says

Dino Zhang, Assistant Professor at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Speaking to Youth Hong Kong, Dino shares his observations on the evolution of

influencer culture, delving into its history, social impact and future, in an era of ever-increasing algorithmic content and AI-driven platforms.

of which he is Deputy Leader. The course examines

lens of history, cultural theory, political economy and different social media platforms.

“We ask our students to look beyond content and

consider the theory of aesthetics and internet history to understand how we have arrived at this point and what the future might hold. This is critical, especially given the incoming flood of AI-generated, commercially driven, homogeneous content.”

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

And this less diverse online environment, as he

platforms that became mainstream in the mid-2000s,

and addressed through this programme.

creators to turn hobbies into careers.

elaborates, is a problem that needs to be understood

7

and then to the monetised models that now allow

This innovative approach contrasts with university

Even the production process has changed. Over the

social media content creation. Instead, it prioritises

loop videos and troll pranks to today’s highly polished

programmes that focus more on marketing, business or critical thinking, steering students away from adopting a narrow entrepreneurial business mindset that

emphasises marketing, generating views and attracting

past two decades, online content has evolved from productions, sometimes with equipment more sophisticated than TV studios.

advertisers, explains Dino. “We are not saying money

Dino uses Vine, an entertainment network founded in

things work on different platforms from a wider

Vine began by allowing users to create and share

does not matter, but we also need to understand how socio-economic and cultural perspective.”

What is now known as the global creator economy is

estimated to have a current market value of around 250 billion US dollars, a figure projected to double by 2027,

2012, as an example. Now a defunct mobile app,

six-second, loop video clips. It was the pioneer of short video sharing, with users such as Logan Paul, an

American influencer, who subsequently became a giant with 23 million subscribers on YouTube today.

according to Goldman Sachs. Advertising Agency

“We want our students to understand the shifts in social

Survey reveals that young people spend 2.5 hours on

“In the past, its content was not valued in the way it is

OMD’s Hong Kong Youngster Social Media Behaviour social media each day on average, primarily on

video-hosting platforms such as Instagram, Facebook

and TikTok. They use influencers on these platforms to stay updated on the latest trends.

Tracking the Evolution Today’s consumers, especially the younger ones, want

greater agency and are increasingly moving away from traditional forms of entertainment, says Dino. Rather than watching TVB, a Hong Kong commercial

television station, young people turn to YouTube

channels like Mill MILK for videos on local culture and lifestyles. “They no longer want what TV channels

offer,” a shift, he says, that “is evident in how local beauty contests, once prestigious, have become subjects of ridicule.”

Understanding this change is central to the study of

today’s influencer culture on the CityU programme. It can be seen when tracking online culture from early webcam and text-based websites, to the streaming

media, and YouTube is a good example,” says Dino. today when it is overtly monetised.” This does not

create a dichotomy between past and present. Instead,

he stresses, it is simply an evolution, a continuation and construction based on the past.

“Things are always both new and old, at least in the

media landscape,” he points out. “Live streaming and

the concept of a ‘channel’ are borrowed from television.

Even the para-social intimacy people feel with small

influencers resembles an older culture, such as that of underground idols from Japan.”

“People love underground idols, because the created

intimacy means one can develop a closer relationship based on meeting and talking to them more often,

almost like friends,” he continues. “Fans”, he explains, “don’t necessarily seek authenticity; they enjoy a

relationship with a performed identity.” Herein lies the

social contract. “There is continuity with the old media in the new media, and we want our students to recognise that.”

INTERVIEW 1

Concerns and Misconceptions

The initial optimism about the internet as a democratising

As influencer culture is devoured by followers and

YouTube over 20 years ago. Having witnessed the growth

becomes increasingly ubiquitous, officials have begun to assess motivations, impact and cultural

consequences. Are they beneficial or detrimental?

“Many people enter this space wanting to be famous.

That entrepreneurial mentality is always there,” Dino

says. “But realistically, no one should set ‘one million subscribers’ as a life goal. A healthier approach is to make content you enjoy and engage with your

audience. Sometimes your channel grows; sometimes it doesn’t.”

Becoming famous and making lots of money does not

equate with making the internet space better. Instead, according to Dino, it results in what he calls the

“homogenisation of content.” “It’s bad for society when everyone talks about the same things. We

should have diversity.” Part of the School of Creative

Media’s goal, he says, is to help students look beyond money, the ephemeral and the superficial, and to

develop the ability to analyse a broader historical and cultural landscape of social media critically.

This holds true even when considering different

influencer landscapes. The Chinese Mainland and

Hong Kong social media have grown in contrasting

directions, says Dino. On the mainland, the absence of a robust advertising revenue model has pushed creators towards live commerce as the only viable

way to earn. This has produced an ecosystem where e-commerce dominates creator behaviour. In Hong Kong, by contrast, a hybrid environment has been influenced by models and platforms from both Western countries and China.

In spite of these variations, the debates remain the

same. For instance, do short videos shorten attention spans? Dino remains sceptical. “It depends on the

platform. YouTube promotes long-form content that people even use to fall asleep,” he says. “I want

students to avoid oversimplified claims and instead learn to appreciate the deep insights the internet offers, if they have the eye to see them.”

force has faded, especially after the rise of Facebook and

of extreme views, violent content and misinformation, Dino remains pessimistic about issues such as censorship and harmful content. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the online world still contains “profound” material and

information. What is essential, especially for students and young people, he explains, is discernment and an

enhanced human curatorial process that allows for the positive in a landscape increasingly shaped by algorithms and AI.

“Algorithms give you an infinite amount of content, but do not necessarily give you what you actually want. I think to a degree, people don't know what they want until they

see it,” he says. Almost like the consumption of art: it is all a matter of subjectivity. Similarly, machines can’t

entirely predict human preferences: “It's accidental; it's

not expected, and therefore, we need to be discerning.”

A Diverse Future

“

“

8

We want to see a different, divergent internet.

So, what is the conclusion? According to Dino, we need to be attuned to progress. While there are concerns

about an internet overrun by AI-generated material, he believes that there might eventually be nostalgia and, therefore, demand for authenticity and imperfection.

Glossy productions might no longer be admired,

vis-à-vis the old grainy, unpolished clips of yesteryear.

“In that sense, imperfection becomes desirable and a new aesthetic,” he says, illustrating Marie Antoinette,

the last Queen of France’s point that “there is nothing new except what has been forgotten.”

“We don’t know what the future will be like,” he says,

“we want to see a different, divergent internet.” For the internet to survive, especially when it is flooded with

AI-generated content and chatbots, Dino says we need to find a strategy that once again provides new imaginings for both creators and followers.

INTERVIEW 2

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

9

Responsibly As influencer culture continues to expand, legal systems need to keep on adapting.

Sometimes adaptation appears slow and reactive, but nonetheless, it is a necessary process.

Lawyer Benjamin Choi’s message is simple: Influence is power that needs to be used sensibly.

The influencer world is no longer the carefree

landscape it once was, and governments worldwide are tightening regulations to match the rising

influence of online creators. In the Chinese Mainland,

Risks &

Responsibilities

for example, influencers must register under their real

From a legal perspective, influencers fall into two broad

they must also hold professional credentials. These

influencers engage in paid promotions, brand

economy to ensure accountability and expertise.

ambassadorships tied to specific marketing campaigns.

"There’s a clear consumer-protection rationale," says

contractual obligations and professional expectations that

names and if they want to discuss specialised topics,

categories: commercial and non-commercial. Commercial

measures represent a restructuring of the influencer

partnerships, sponsorships, affiliate links or long-term

Benjamin Choi, intellectual property lawyer at Jingtian & Gongcheng. “If millions are potentially receiving

Here, influencers operate like micro-businesses with mirror traditional endorsement relationships.

medical or financial advice from online influencers,

“Once money changes hands, you’re not just sharing your

points out that enforcement poses challenges: not all

out. Non-commercial influencers earn indirectly through

“professional advice” and the lines between personal

personal creative projects. They face fewer legal risks but

the source should have relevant training.” But he also

lifestyle, you’re representing a brand,” Benjamin points

online content falls neatly into the category of

advertising revenue, fan donations, live streaming gifts or

experience, opinion, and instruction can often

are still vulnerable to misinformation disputes and content

become blurred.

misuse.

Would Hong Kong follow China’s lead? Benjamin

Benjamin notes that these distinctions shape part of the

process, has no exclusive or specific dedicated

legal exposure, especially concerning product claims and

for various influencer or key opinion leader (KOL)

that is untrue,” he notes, but intellectual property disputes

Kong is regulated under the Trade Descriptions

influencer exaggeration in terms of product claims, or

Ordinance, which broadly cover all promoted goods

items, risks violating laws such as the Trade Descriptions

doubts it. Hong Kong, with its slower legislative

problem. Commercial influencers face the highest risk of

influencer laws. Instead, laws exist that already cater

contract breaches. “The biggest risk is saying something

issues. For example, in relation to marketing, Hong

are rare in day-to-day product endorsements. Instead,

Ordinance (TDO) and the Misrepresentation

hyperbole that damages credibility by promoting untested

and services.

Ordinance. Benjamin notes that influencers may

“If someone is scammed by a KOL, prosecutors don’t

because brands can impose morality clauses that will

need a ‘KOL law’ to act,” Benjamin explains. However, some regions still pass new laws to try to keep pace with the fast-evolving digital landscape.

underestimate how closely they are monitored, especially end contracts as a result of damaging influencer

behaviour. “Personal conduct matters. One controversy can end a deal overnight.”

10

INTERVIEW 2

AI &

the New Grey Areas

As AI-generated content floods social media, authorship and copyright are getting more

complicated, especially when computer-produced

images and videos mimic human-created work. These

The Mindset

grey areas have no clear laws to address them.

Benjamin ends with a clear message for influencers

Hong Kong lacks a “right of portrait” law like the

people’s vulnerability online. He highlights the risks of

Chinese Mainland, making it harder for celebrities to take legal action if their AI-generated likenesses are used commercially. Benjamin says this is a clear

example of “the law not catching up fast enough,"

where creators, platforms and lawyers are still figuring

and followers alike, particularly highlighting young

exposure to influencers who wish to monetise their influence and warns young people who look to

creators for guidance, emotional support and a sense of identity.

out what the rules should be. “Sometimes we know

To influencers, he says, “Recognise that you have a

there may be no legal recourse.”

and particularly the younger ones who lack

that certain acts or behaviour are morally wrong, but

Traditional influencer content rarely raises copyright

responsibility, especially to consumers and followers, experience and discernment.”

issues unless it uses copyright-protected music or

He urges influencers to be transparent about

generators, voice filters and automated design tools is

choose what they promote carefully. “It’s about

fair use. Some AI platforms claim copyright over

have to add value to yourself by offering good

artists to question whether their work was used without

adding that quality content adds lasting value.

images without permission. But the rise of AI image

sponsorships, to avoid unverifiable claims, and to

clouding the lines around ownership, originality and

intention. If something feels off, don’t share it. You

output, others assign it to users leaving original human

content if you want to be a good KOL,” he says,

consent to train these models.

To followers, he offers a reminder to be “selective,

Despite these concerns, Benjamin stresses that AI

wise and forward-thinking” and to use the same

creators and audiences. Still, influencers and

making a purchase in the real world. This kind of

boundaries carefully, while consumers must stay alert

overcrowded influencer field, he says, where young

itself isn’t inherently harmful, most uses benefit

methods of making comparisons as one would before

companies must navigate legal and ethical

critical thinking is increasingly important in the

and judicious.

people sometimes follow blindly. With so many legal and ethical grey areas in play, consumers shouldn’t take everything at face value but should fact-check and protect themselves from misleading trends or promises.

Laws and culture must evolve side by side if

innovation is to be balanced with accountability.

Then, a safer, fairer digital space may be created.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

11

Why Do People Follow Them?

A 2024 survey by the Influencer Marketing Factory

found that 27% of users follow virtual influencers for their content, 19% for their storytelling and 15%

because they feel inspired. The psychology behind this connection can be explained by Social

Presence Theory, which suggests that the more we feel as if we are “with” someone — even if only

What Are Virtual Influencers?

digitally — the stronger our emotional response.

Virtual influencers, also known as AI influencers,

Crucially, the brain responds not to realism but to

are computer-generated characters designed to

perceived presence. If the character seems warm,

behave like real people online. They have

relatable or authentic, emotional attachment follows,

personalities, aesthetics and fully developed social

even when followers know the influencer is not

media lives. They collaborate with brands to

human.

promote products, ideas and lifestyles. Powered by

CGI (computer-generated imagery), motion-capture technology and —increasingly — generative AI,

What Are the Concerns?

these digital figures are transforming the way

For brands, virtual influencers offer affordability,

content is created, consumed and marketed.

creative flexibility and lower reputational risk, but

concerns remain over ethics and societal impact.

Virtual influencers are especially popular among

Critics warn that virtual characters may reinforce

younger generations. Around 70% of global social

harmful beauty standards or racial and gender

media users aged 18 to 44 follow at least one virtual

stereotypes, and some governments, such as

influencer, compared to 51% of those above 45. In

China’s, have already begun targeting AI misuse

the United States, 52% of users already follow a

through regulation.

virtual influencer, with even higher numbers globally.

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Lu Lu do Magalu, created by Brazilian

Lil Miquela, a Los

Mia Zelu rose to fame after posting

has grown from a digital shopping

was listed among Time

“attending” Wimbledon. Mia presents as a

retailer Magazine Luiza in 2003, assistant into one of Brazil’s

most-followed influencers with

over 8 million Instagram followers.

Angeles–based “robot girl”, Magazine’s “25 Most Influential People on the Internet” in

2018. Her feed mixes fashion, identity and activism in a way

convincingly lifelike images of herself

stylish young woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes, and her Instagram account —

clearly marked as AI-run — has amassed

more than 216,000 followers. Comments on her posts often read, “I want to be like you”, “You live my dream” or “I envy your life”,

showing just how real the connection can feel.

12

Understanding Teen Vulnerability to Influence Kathy Chau, Clinical Psychologist at HKFYG Wellness

outspoken, and are therefore admired.” Such

particularly sensitive to external influences during their

motivating self-improvement, but for others, they can

PLUS, offers valuable insight into why adolescents are critical developmental years.

Between the ages of 12 and 18, young people’s

comparisons can spark personal growth for some, trigger self-doubt, anxiety and a sense of inadequacy.

brains are still maturing, especially the regions

Moreover, peer dynamics can amplify influence.

“Dopamine, the brain’s neurotransmitter linked to

group norms, even if they do not personally admire

involved in processing pleasure and reward.

motivation and enjoyment, is especially active during

this stage,” Kathy explains. “When teenagers receive

recognition or attention online, their dopamine circuits light up, making social media engagement feel

especially rewarding.” This neurological wiring,

primed for reward, increases their susceptibility to

online validation and peer approval, reinforcing social

“Adolescents may feel compelled to conform to

certain influencers,” she observes. Drawing on Erik Erikson’s social identity theory, she highlights that adolescence is a time of identity exploration and confusion. “The pressure to fit in and gain social acceptance can intensify identity struggles, impacting emotional well-being.”

media use.

Understanding these intertwined neurological and

Beyond brain chemistry, social dynamics also play a

wellness. By encouraging critical thinking,

powerful role. “Teenagers often compare themselves to those who seem more confident, attractive or

successful,” Kathy says. “Influencers fit this image

perfectly. They appear cooler, more trendy and more

social factors is essential for promoting youth

self-awareness, and balanced media consumption, educators and caregivers can help young people navigate social influencers with greater resilience and a stronger sense of self.

INTERVIEW 3

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

Hanna Vanharanta:

13

Creating a Digital Time Capsule Gen Z YouTuber, Hanna Vanharanta, tells the journey of recording her life in the online space. She plans to fill that space with memories until she’s 80. In an age of overwhelming volume of content online, is being a content creator a viable career?

We have all wondered what we will be doing when we are older. 22-year-old YouTuber, Hanna Vanharanta, imagines her childhood passion enduring far into the unpredictable future. She pictures herself still filming, editing and posting videos online when she becomes, in the words of W. B. Yeats, "old and grey and full of sleep."

“Content creation is always going to be a part of my life. When I’m 80, I’ll probably still be posting YouTube videos for my 80-year-old girl friends,” Hanna says, flashing a double finger victory sign and smiling conspiratorially.

Since graduating from the University of Hong Kong in June 2025, Hanna has become a full-time YouTube

content creator. With over 236,000 subscribers, her videos revolve mainly around vlogs documenting her life with friends, family and school, covering everything from hanging out and studying for exams to decorating her bedroom.

In an online interview with Youth Hong Kong, Hanna recalls her journey since her very first video, posted 11 years ago. She shares reflections on the reality that lies behind a seemingly glamorous career, as well as her vision for the future. For her, being a content creator is not just a passing fad — it has longevity.

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INTERVIEW 3

When Work Never Switches Off Like any job, content creation can lead to burnout, especially as Hanna’s viewer count and video output grew. “When you like something so much, you don't want to do it badly,” Hanna points out, adding that she feels pressure to create new, exciting stories even when her days are sometimes repetitive. She does not want to let people down.

The Algorithm Found My People Hanna started posting videos at the age of 15 as a high school hobby and a creative outlet. “I’ve always felt like a creative kid, loving singing, dancing and taking photos,” she says, so when the YouTube trend emerged, she and her friends naturally began making videos of their own.

Growing up with the internet and social media like everyone from Gen Z, Hanna initially posted for herself and her friends, capturing memories with clips of “being silly.” After a year or two, when some videos went viral, she began to truly develop her online community. “I guess the algorithm found my people.”

“I learnt that telling the story of my life through a lens is what I enjoy the most, especially when filming something very ordinary, like walking around or going to school.” Editing and putting these moments together, then making them into a compelling miniature movie, gives her fulfilment. I’ve never had anything else that has given me much more fulfilment than this.

Most young people dream of becoming teachers, firefighters, or astronauts. Even a few years ago, being a creator was not considered a career option. This was true not only for the older generations, but also for Hanna’s own. Before university, she had no idea one could earn money from making videos. Upon graduation, however, her parents and friends encouraged her to explore content creation as a full-time career and see where it would lead.

“I want to put my best foot forward and create something I feel proud of,” she says. Sometimes, she questions the quality of a video she has made or gets stuck for inspiration. “You have to wait for inspiration. You can’t force it, but it's very painful to just wait.”

At the same time, having the autonomy to decide what to do as a content creator — which may sound like a privilege to some — also contributes to burnout.

Documenting everyday existence blurs the line between work and life, she says. “I never fully switch off. This is my life,” she explains. “When you're so into something like this and can be your own boss, you don't really check out.”

To maintain a healthy balance, Hanna takes one day off every week to escape from filming or editing videos. This helps save her from constant exhaustion, she says.

She is aware of the complicated nature of social media and algorithms, as well as the dilemma of creating content that works well for audiences rather than just being her authentic self. As long as she has passion and a clear picture of the content she enjoys, she says that moments of struggle pass, and enjoyment returns.

“It's hard not to let the numbers affect you, but if that's your only goal, it's going to make you burn out quickly,” she warns, emphasising that content must come from “a place of passion” and genuine enjoyment. “If you don't have that and you’re chasing something else, you'll get very tired of it very quickly.”

She’s not overly worried about receiving negative comments or being judged. This courage stems from her parents’ encouragement, support and protection.

Although she started posting videos about her life in

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

high school, Hanna’s parents monitored them and the comments on her channel, actively protecting her while still allowing space for creative exploration.

“They wanted me to study hard, so they allowed me to pursue my passions, but they also wanted me to experience life as a child. So I think they did a really good balancing job while allowing me an outlet for creativity,” she reveals. “My parents always told me that nothing is embarrassing about just being you and living life just for yourself, so I’ve lived like that my whole life.”

Love My Community Through her YouTube channel over the past decade, Hanna has built her own online community. Most of her followers are Hong Kong girls of her own age, and sometimes, perhaps surprisingly, they are mothers who want to find out what their children think is trendy. Hanna is happy to attract followers of all ages, not only those who grew up with her through high school, on to university, and into the workplace.

“It's kind of funny, growing up together like that. It's really lovely. I love my community.”

Because of her background growing up in a Hong Kong-Finnish mixed family, her online content also attracts curious people from abroad who have connections with the city but never lived here, those who want to know what life is like being of mixed parentage, or simply those who want to switch off their brains and relax through her videos.

little time capsule on the

“

“

My channel would be a internet that will always be a part of me.

Vlogging at 80 In an age of bombardment from influencers every day, Hanna believes that everyone can become an influencer. “You just have to be unique, and everyone's unique. It's just a matter of how you want to share your story.” She is optimistic about the future of content creation and young people with creative ambitions. She thinks Hong Kong needs more young influencers and hopes to meet more people sharing their talent like her, but in domains such as music and art.

Her message is that if you believe you have stories to tell, just tell them; don’t be scared, have the courage to try and just be yourself. “I think the biggest fear people have is judgment. It’s normal because it’s weird to put yourself out there.”

No matter how fast the world changes, Hanna thinks being an influencer is a long-term, sustainable career, and the skills of telling different kinds of stories are transferable, regardless of the industry or the era.

When it comes to future career plans, Hanna is open to possibilities. “I don’t want to put myself in a box and let content creation be the only thing in my life,” she says. In a fast-changing world where a new career can emerge at any moment, she’s willing to dabble in any creative field that interests her.

“Content creation is such a random thing. I didn’t know that when I was younger, but I do now.”

For Hanna, the YouTube channel she built, one video after another, is her “baby,” an online space full of memories and a fundamental part of her identity.

“Doing social media and making videos is a part of me and always will be. I have never ever thought of quitting. Even if I decided to become a lawyer, for example, I would always do this on the side.”

No matter how quickly the world evolves, Hanna is sure that her love for capturing life and sharing videos will not fade. “I think it would be cute to watch myself growing old while posting scenes from my life.

It would be like a little time capsule on the internet that will always be a part of me.”

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ON THE SIDE

Hong Kong Races to Catch Up in Live Commerce As Typhoon Signal No. 8 empties the streets and shuts down the city, Kelly Lin is hurrying toward the one

place she knows people will gather: her livestream.

Unlike most occupations we know, her live streaming

business sees the most active audiences under severe weather conditions. Kelly began her journey in 2020 as a live-commerce host, before it became a trend during COVID.

Hong Kong’s live-commerce industry is accelerating as education institutions and major e-commerce

players move to train new talent, responding to rising market demand and changing consumer behaviour.

COVID‑19 pushed retailers and small businesses onto live streams to clear stock when foot traffic collapsed, although its size is still smaller and more fragmented

Common misconceptions, Garry says, are that an e-commerce host only needs good speaking and selling skills or that only celebrities or KOLs can

become hosts. However, he notes that a professional

broadcast requires teamwork, clear role specialisation, in-depth product knowledge, customer segmentation,

real-time audience interaction, platform analytics, and seamless order fulfilment.

At the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education,

students now train across three key areas: on-camera

performance, backstage operations, and business and ethical practices. Each element, Garry emphasises, is

essential to producing streams that are both engaging and commercially effective.

than the Chinese Mainland.

With the development of cross-border logistics and live

“Live commerce is now a core part of e-commerce,”

opportunities to expand into the Greater Bay Area and

says Garry Lau, Senior Lecture at the Department of

Business, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin), in a written interview, adding that the growth potential of Hong Kong has led to “a strong need” to nurture live commerce professionals.

To meet this rising demand, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) signed an MoU with Hong Kong

Technology Venture Company Limited (HKTV) in 2024 to nurture talents for the digital and e-commerce

sectors. The collaboration allows students to directly

participate in live streaming production, enabling them to grasp the essentials of e-commerce operations.

Unlike the traditional way of building connections with customers face-to-face, Kelly says live-commerce hosts need to build trust with customers online.

commerce, Garry says Hong Kong welcomes new the Southeast Asian markets. With bilingual

e-commerce talents, he says, made-in-Hong-Kong

products and other consumer packaged goods will be able to reach global and regional consumers directly, increasing profit margins and reducing reliance on physical stores.

The post-pandemic landscape has seen an increasing number of consumers adopt home-shopping habits, a trend that promises significant growth potential for the market. Kelly thinks this growth is further amplified by the development of AI, which is already being

integrated into the live-streaming process to offer more efficient assistance and interactive possibilities.

YOUTH SPEAK: FOLLOWERS

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

WHAT WE FOLLOW This section explores the complex relationship followers have with online personalities.

Drawing on questions about their consumption habits, emotional responses, and views on the shift from traditional fame, young people share how they navigate the online space, managing feelings of social comparison, and defining their own identity.

NANCY I mostly follow fashion influencers, not necessarily to copy their outfits directly,

but to appreciate the inspiration and ingenuity behind their style. I'm often "wowed" by a look that is visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing, particularly when it features striking cover photos with amazing colour and material contrasts, or styles that I can realistically adapt into my own wardrobe.

are able to purchase certain items has made me feel the clear economic gap, and at times, I feel a sense of envy — even pressure — when I see them dressed exquisitely or owning beautiful items.

However, I counter this pressure by reflecting on why I feel this way. I don't actually desire luxury goods, but simply appreciate beautiful things, which I know isn't limited to expensive clothes. Most importantly, by focusing on other aspects of my life

I choose to follow someone when their content

and what I find meaningful, these feelings of

gives me a sense of relaxation, novelty and

frustration usually pass.

connection. I also use social media to unwind in my free time and look for new information or perspectives. Beyond that, I tend to follow people whose personalities immediately resonate with me.

I am not averse to unfollowing them, either if any of these factors change or if I haven't been paying attention to their content for a while.

As the influencers who most influence me shape my sartorial style, I would say that they, along with the rise of live-streaming e-commerce on Chinese platforms, have affected my spending habits, leading me to shop more frequently than before.

They also shape my aspirations. Many fashion

Compared to the distant, untouchable aura of traditional celebrities, current influencer culture feels more accessible and relational. Instead of movie stars on a red carpet, I'm following someone who feels like a peer, someone who lives close to me and shares my interests, obviously because of the proximity of social media.

In fact, I believe influencer culture is a complex and inevitable part of modern media. On the positive side, it's a source of inspiration and information on niche interests. It can feel more democratic, allowing anyone with talent or a unique perspective to build a platform. On the negative

influencers come from wealthy backgrounds and

side, it can promote consumerism, create

showcase a high-consumption lifestyle. While I'm

unrealistic lifestyle expectations, and, as I

not interested in luxury goods, I do appreciate

myself experienced, highlight social and economic

beautiful things. Seeing how they (and other fans)

inequalities in a very personal way.

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YOUTH SPEAK: FOLLOWERS

CHRIS I feel drawn to influencers who offer food for

their content in a similar way, in order to survive.

thought. Ideally, I want to use the internet for

However, their content, while perhaps being more

educational content the most, whether

worthwhile, may not be as entertaining.

neuroscience professors like Andrew Huberman or podcasters like Steven Bartlett.

Finally, let’s not forget a third category of so-called “gurus.” Their content is similar to the first group,

When an influencer’s content, or online presence,

but their approach differs. They aim to instruct and

becomes infested with drama, or they lose sight of

almost indoctrinate, rather than just provide food for

their original purpose to educate themselves and

thought. They take the responsibility of

their viewers, I find myself losing interest. In the

decision-making and value-setting above the

same way, if I stumble upon a piece of content that

follower, and to provide a digestible, easy-to-follow

seems to live up to my standards of quality, I follow

solution. Their popularity is because many

it. That standard means I look for influencers who

followers want easy answers and simple ways on

approach followers in good faith, trying to teach,

how to live or behave. So, if someone convincingly

rather than selling one-size-fits-all content. I am not

claims to have it all figured out, we want to believe

looking for answers or rules to live by from people

them. In those moments, I believe, we should

who might, or might not, know better than me. I am

commit to thinking for ourselves and work out our

looking for fuel to feed my thinking, which will, in

own responsibilities.

turn, help form my views on how I choose to live my life.

I see a stark dichotomy within influencers. One

Influencer culture can range from healthy to toxic, and from meaningful to completely shallow. I understand that there is a lot of potential for growth

group operates in good faith and is driven by

in some content, but I also see a lot of harmful

purpose, while another is driven by money or fame,

models peddling destructive lifestyles. What can

exploiting their followers, potentially rendering them

unfailingly shift us towards the better end of

worse off in the process. This latter group is the

both spectra is being mindful of how and what

descendant of traditional celebrity culture, adapted

we consume: thinking through content rather

to modern media platforms. Their content is toxic

than letting it slowly shape us through sheer

drama, delivered in an entertaining fashion, which

exposure and popularity.

normalises and romanticises it. The former group, on the other hand, might sometimes need to market

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

CHRISTY I mostly follow dance creators because I love

there were basically two paths: acting or singing.

dancing. But the feelings I get from watching them

Those industries were tiny and incredibly hard to

are mixed. On the one hand, it pushes me to

break into. You needed the right look, the right

improve. Seeing others dance so beautifully makes

connections, and a fair amount of luck, often

me want to work harder, to reach that same level of

backed by family or money. Honestly, that whole

natural flow. On the other hand, it can be

model of fame was unequal from the start.

anxiety-inducing. Especially when I realise that some of these brilliant dancers are my age, or even younger, performing on big stages and surrounded by fans, I can’t help but compare myself to them.

That sometimes makes me feel inadequate.

But social media is different. You can begin from an ordinary place, simply sharing what you love, showing what you’re good at, or just living your life authentically and energetically. People will still watch. You don’t need to be “chosen” by the

I’m learning to make peace with that. I remind

entertainment industry; you can choose yourself.

myself that dance is about personal expression,

That, I think, is a real shift. It’s turned visibility from

and what’s “excellent” on social media doesn’t

an elite privilege into something far more

need to be copied. Rather, it can be a mirror,

accessible.

helping me discover who I am.

I do understand why so many people today are

It’s not just about fame. It can even become a career. You can gradually turn your personality and

glued to online content. My younger brother is

interests into something that sustains you

obsessed with YouTubers in gaming and music.

financially. Today, not everyone wants to follow the

Honestly, I worry about him getting lost online

traditional route, like the big-company internship,

sometimes. That kind of obsession says something

the stable job, all the way to retirement. Social

about our generation.

We grew up in a world of instant gratification — tap once, and you get pleasure right away.

Compared to that, things that require long-term effort, like reading, are getting harder to sustain. My brother isn’t necessarily lazy; it’s just that he’s been conditioned by the pace of this era to crave

media gives us the illusion that “who we are” can shape “what we become.” But the reality is that not everyone can just post a few clips and start making money. There are still gatekeepers — algorithms, traffic, platform rules — that decide who gets pushed to the top.

So I don’t see influencer culture as simply

immediate rewards, and the environment is

shallow or attention-seeking. It’s a way of

reshaping young people’s patience and attention.

redistributing the power to speak. You can

That said, I don’t completely reject “influencer culture.” In fact, I think there’s something positive about it. It’s opened up new possibilities. In the past, if you wanted to be seen or become famous,

influence others through your voice, offering them resonance, comfort, inspiration, or just a glimpse of another way to live. And that, to me, feels meaningful.

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YOUTH SPEAK: FOLLOWERS

MELINDA For me, online content is more of a way to relax

Instead, I tend to let the algorithm do its thing. It

than something I take seriously or try to imitate.

might be impersonal, but it’s surprisingly good at

Compared with those who share strong opinions or

showing me content that matches my mood or

political views, the influencers I follow are mostly

curiosity in the moment.

funny, pet-related, or stress-relief creators, the light-hearted kind. Of course, social media can sometimes be stressful, giving me anxiety when the algorithms amplify people who stand out.

I think today’s internet culture is a mix of empowerment and superficiality. Anyone can post, go viral, or be seen, which makes creativity more democratic than ever. The barriers have fallen;

The reasons I follow certain people are simple:

everyone has a shot at being noticed. But at the

their content makes me feel relaxed, happy, or

same time, that visibility comes with a cost. Traffic

in some way, understood. For example, I like

can give you a new identity or a polished moment

watching overseas student vloggers whose

in the spotlight. But it can also turn against you.

experiences are similar to mine. That sense of similarity makes their content relatable, and it makes the online world feel a bit more real.

The fragility lies in this: going viral isn’t hard; sustaining it is. To keep people’s attention online, you need to constantly innovate and stay perfectly

That said, I do unfollow people sometimes. Many

in tune with public sentiment. One sentence, one

creators, once they gain popularity, start filling their

opinion can change everything. For example, a

content with ads and sponsorships and drifting

creator once discussed why graduate employment

away from genuine expression to commercial

rates were low, but a few poorly phrased comments

formulas. The sincerity and creativity that drew me

ended up offending young audiences and led to a

in at first often get replaced by polished marketing.

huge backlash.

When “sharing” turns into “selling”, when jokes come with product links, it just feels hollow.

Cases like that remind me that in the age of algorithms, expression is both free and risky and a

I’m cautious about who I follow, because I know

double-edged sword. Being “famous” doesn’t

how fleeting online fame can be. A meme can be

necessarily mean being “understood." Algorithms

overused in a week; a creator can go from viral to

can magnify a single moment, but they can’t

forgotten just as quickly. For me, who I follow

sustain genuine value. Social media has given

doesn’t really matter. What matters is what kind of

everyone a stage to show who they are, but it

content helps me find connection or emotional

has also made reputation more fragile, more

release. That feels more authentic — and definitely

fragmented even, than ever.

more freeing — than chasing short-lived hype.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

VAISAKH I don't follow a single person or name, but I

"information bomb," which I recognise are

consistently engage with several inspiring pages

challenging to sustain. Therefore, I try to maintain a

and channels. On Instagram, my favourites include

necessary balance by being highly selective about

mindset.therapy, pathsofstoicism, and

what I consume and by taking regular breaks.

goodmindsquote. When it comes to YouTube, I enjoy channels like Better Than Yesterday, The School of Life, and TED-Ed. I am primarily drawn to content centred around self-development, self-help, practical philosophy, and other insightful subjects that encourage reflection and personal growth. Essentially, I seek out anything that helps me strive to be the best I can.

My decision to follow someone hinges on whether their content genuinely adds value to my life. This can manifest as education, entertainment, or simply a sense of comfort, such as something fun or relaxing, balancing learning and relaxation.

Conversely, I will usually unfollow when an account becomes overly promotional, appears fake, or wastes my time unnecessarily.

I believe influencers can have a meaningful impact.

The specific channels and pages I follow have positively influenced my personality, productivity, thinking patterns, attitudes, and personal traits, as I actively attempt to put their advice into action.

Since this influence is often intellectual and emotional, it can be difficult to fully articulate its depth.

Sometimes I want to live up to what I see online, but my reactions are mixed. On the one hand, I sometimes feel pressure because the advice is often good and practical, prompting me to ask why I shouldn't implement changes that could improve my life overall. On the other hand, it can feel like an

Influencer culture fundamentally feels more personal and accessible than traditional celebrity culture. Unlike older forms of fame, influencers often share aspects of their daily lives and interact directly with their followers. However, it's vital to remember that it is still social media, and it remains difficult to discern what is truly authentic versus what is promotional or manufactured content.

I believe influencer culture is a curious mix of the positive, harmful, healthy, and meaningful. It is ultimately an undeniable part of modern media, and just as one cannot label the internet as being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, the same applies here.

Outcome truly depends on the individual, what they consume, how they consume it and whether it is used for growth and well-being. Blindly chasing unrealistic standards or following content indiscriminately can certainly be harmful. We must accept that influencer culture is now a major fixture in modern media, and it's our responsibility as viewers to engage with it critically and consciously.

As I mentioned earlier, I cannot point to a single modern "influencer" who deeply inspires me.

As a millennial at the core, I am still primarily influenced and inspired by profound achievers and legends like former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam or former American President Abraham Lincoln; Indian physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman, Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie, or tennis player Serena Williams. The list goes on…

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EXPLAINER YOUTH SPEAK: FOLLOWERS

MICHELLE We all follow influencers on social media for

“Influencers don’t care if you go broke,” and

different reasons. Personally, I enjoy watching

someone commented, “Their job is to take money

vlogs on YouTube — they give me a sneak peek

out of our pockets and put it in theirs.” I agreed,

into someone else’s world. It’s strangely comforting

though ironically, I only found the video through an

to see people sharing snippets of their lives.

But having worked in marketing has made me more mindful of the “influence” behind this culture.

influencer I follow, called Cara Nicole, the “financial freedom girl” who makes video essays.

At the end of the day, influencer culture is a

Influencers fuel materialism and consumerism,

double-edged sword. While it brings out creativity,

which worries me, as overconsumption lies at the

it’s also quietly changing how we make purchases,

core of many issues like pollution and inequality.

decisions, connections, and more — but the

Recently, I came across a YouTube video titled

choice to be “influenced” is in our hands.

YOUTH SPEAK: INFLUENCERS

HOW WE INFLUENCE

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

23

This section explores the lived experiences of content creators. Through their personal stories — from their creative beginnings, moments of burnout and negotiating audience expectations, to the pursuit of authenticity, they reflect on what it truly means to build influence today.

PERSONAL GROWTH Marco Dubbing | Music

marcoleung163d

I’ve always been someone who loves to share. When I

I think that the market is oversaturated. Algorithms can

first started my account, it was purely to document and

overlook even good content, and the fact that most

share my creative work: dubbing, filming and

Hong Kong influencers speak Cantonese limits our

songwriting. I typically avoid posting pictures of myself to

reach. While many GenZs chase viral trends and

keep the focus on my work rather than my appearance,

attention-grabbing posts, they don’t plan for long-term

as there are plenty of attractive people out there.

content. I believe pursuing KOL work solely for money is unwise; it’s unstable, and disappointment often follows.

Making content isn’t about money for me. It’s more about personal growth. Through content creation, I’ve

Creating dubbing videos can be exhausting; I’ve stayed

met many interesting people, like voice actors,

up all night just to finish one. Filming vlogs abroad is no

podcasters and musicians.

easier. Even if I have no interest in a place, I still push myself to go and end up spending so much time on my

This year, as I approach 30, I decided to take my

phone. I often find it hard to truly experience and

account more seriously and see what I could achieve.

appreciate the scenery around me.

The result is positive. My followers have surged from around 5,000 to 30,000, and what makes me happiest is that they appreciate my work.

I hope to promote Cantonese dubbing. There used to be so many classic TVB dramas, but now few people pay attention to the beauty of this language. Using one’s

As my followers have grown, I’ve become more careful

voice to express and communicate can be very

when posting photos with friends to protect their privacy.

powerful.

I avoid swearing and inappropriate content, mindful of younger audiences. I’m cautious about uploading my

To young creators, I’d say: don’t chase empty hype,

own photos too, as I sometimes struggle with

don’t compare yourself with others. Be authentic, think

appearance anxiety. Being a KOL is actually quite

for yourself. If you believe something is worth doing,

tough, because you inevitably care about how others

then do it.

see you.

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YOUTH SPEAK: INFLUENCERS

ALWAYS EXPLORING Torres Lifestyle | Culture | Comedy

torres_pit

Becoming a creator was a complete coincidence. In

The online ecosystem has changed dramatically. People are

2014, during an internship in Shanghai, I was randomly

getting more picky because viewers are spoiled now. The

interviewed for a street show and later invited to become

rise of AI, which is capable of generating high-quality videos

its host. The video received great feedback — that was

in seconds, has made human connection more important

when I realised that creating content could be a

than ever. Face-to-face events, though smaller in scale, feel

profession. At first, I followed audience reactions, but

more genuine. I believe the next stage of content creation is

later I discovered what I truly love: travelling, meeting

shifting from “pleasing algorithms” to “connecting with

people, filming, and sharing stories. Growing up in Hong

people." Algorithmic exposure brings attention, but only

Kong, an international city, I was lucky to be exposed to

genuine connection builds trust, and that trust is the most

diverse cultures that taught me to see things from

precious gift a creator can have.

multiple angles. I hope to use videos to connect people, making content a dialogue between my own interests and what audiences want to see.

If I could speak to my younger self when I first started, I’d probably say, “It’s too hard, don’t do it” (just kidding). When I graduated, I didn’t rush to find a job, and before I knew it,

My motivation is to step out of my comfort zone. Many

that “hobby” had become a journey. Creating is like climbing

people think that means simply trying new things, but for

a mountain — halfway up, you realise the peak is farther

me, it’s a mindset of facing the unknown and still

than you expected, yet you keep going. I’m glad I never quit.

choosing to express myself. I’m quite “thick-skinned”: I

Over the years, I’ve learned life lessons beyond books: how

dare to talk to strangers, film on the streets, and in doing

to live with pressure, and how to pause and look back.

so, I push my limits. When I take that step, viewers see

Growth isn’t just about moving forward all the time — it’s

that being brave is possible too. This mutual

about staying clear-headed through the ups and downs, and

encouragement keeps me going.

sometimes taking a step back to reflect.

I began with light-hearted themes, such as where girls

To young creators, I want to say this: I once made 30 to 40

prefer to go on a first date, but gradually moved towards

videos that no one watched. But I’m glad I made those first

more complex topics, for example exploring different

forty, because without them, I wouldn’t have built my career.

jobs in Hong Kong. This shift reflects my growth, and my

You never know when or where that turning point will come.

audience is growing with me.

No one can tell you, “Just make one more video and you’ll

The hardest part of being a creator is coming up with

depends on how much you love it — so don’t do it unless

good ideas and starting from scratch. I wasn’t an

you truly do.

make it.” You simply have to keep trying. In the end, it

overnight success; I built my audience video by video. In the beginning, I had no resources or guidance. Even

If one day my child wants to become a creator, I’ll support

small things, like deciding my hairstyle, were my job. I

them. By then, platforms may change, but the message will

kept experimenting, trading time for experience. Later,

be the same: if you genuinely love it, go for it. I probably

when I finally had the resources, the challenge became

won’t help them promote their work, because I don’t know

how to stay passionate. Creating content means

where I’ll be by then, and I’ve always taken life one day at a

constant repetition — brainstorming, filming, responding

time. Just like seven years ago, I couldn’t have imagined

to viewers. If it becomes mechanical, the passion fades.

being where I am today. Life’s like that — you never know

So I push myself to try new formats, such as the offline

what will happen, but you can always choose to explore.

stand-up show I recently did, to keep my creativity alive.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

THE TRIANGLE OF STRUGGLE Yoshi Travel | Beauty | Food

yoshi.1c

When I first boarded a plane to Saudi Arabia for

evolving digital age, staying creative and adaptable is

my first travel collaboration, I could hardly believe

essential for personal and professional growth.

it. Travelling for work had always been a dream, but doing it “for free” as a creator was something I

Balancing authenticity with commercial demands and

never imagined when starting my YouTube

viewership is what I call a “triangle of struggle."

channel. This experience validated my efforts and

Initially, my channel focused on mindfulness and

showed me that my work was reaching a wider

personal growth, but those topics were too niche for

audience. Although the videos from that trip didn’t

mainstream appeal or sponsors. After discussions

go viral, the process of creating them filled me with

with my management company, we shifted toward

immense

travel and lifestyle content. This compromise was

Discovery has been central to my creative journey.

harsh, it is part of the creative process. Once a solid

tough but necessary. I’ve learned that while reality is After leaving the television industry, I wanted to

brand and loyal audience are established, creators

connect with audiences on my own terms. Through

can gradually return to the freedom that inspired them.

YouTube and Instagram, I shared my experiences, which I felt were genuine and relatable. However,

Income instability is another challenge for freelancers

the transition wasn’t easy. As a YouTuber, I had to

and content creators. There’s no guaranteed

handle everything myself — filming, editing,

paycheck, only hoping that a new video might capture

scripting — skills I had never learned before. I did

attention. It’s a game of endurance and faith. I remain

wonder if I had entered an already saturated

optimistic, understanding that life is not all about work.

space, and I often compared myself to others.

Pursuing hobbies and maintaining balance and taking care of wellbeing, are crucial for long-term creativity.

My creative process is spontaneous. I rarely script my travel vlogs; instead, I capture moments

Over the years, I’ve learned to separate my public and

naturally: laughter with friends, street food

private lives. Initially, I believed in “being myself” at all

discoveries, and unexpected encounters. This

times, but the constant scrutiny and criticism taught

unplanned storytelling reflects my personality. I

me that not everyone needs to see all aspects of my

always strive to include a memorable moment in

life. Setting boundaries has brought me peace. My

each video, whether it’s a witty punchline or a

journey into spiritual learning and counselling

quirky experience.

psychology has also helped me with calmness.

When people ask me what keeps me going, I often

Ultimately, I hope to make viewers feel a little lighter,

jokingly say “money!” The truth is, my YouTube

even if just for a moment. In fast-paced Hong Kong,

channel isn’t profitable yet, and collaborations on

happiness can feel like a luxury. If my work can bring

Instagram have slowed due to the economy. What

a smile to someone’s day, that’s enough. I’ve also

truly motivates me is self-expression. Creating

started organising wellness workshops to raise mental

content allows me to show different sides of myself

health awareness and am studying counselling

beyond my television persona. In this rapidly

psychology to share more with my followers, as an important aspect of my social responsibility.

25

26

YOUTH SPEAK: INFLUENCERS

THE POWER WITHIN Zoe Fitness | Lifestyle

zoesportdiary

Once, I was a fat girl who tried every wrong way to lose

I developed anxiety about my appearance and body,

weight, from skipping meals to taking pills. Then one day,

wanting to look prettier or more polished on camera.

I came across fitness influencers from Taiwan and the West who weren’t necessarily slim like Cinderella, but

It took time, and a lot of self-reflection, to learn to

strong, healthy, and glowing with confidence. They could

embrace authenticity again — to remind myself, and

eat well, stay active, and still look amazing. That completely

others, that every version of ourselves deserves

changed how I saw health and beauty. I decided to start

appreciation. I have also been troubled by online

working out properly — not to chase a number on the

malicious comments and haters, but I am learning to

scale, but to build a body I could be proud of.

respond with a calm mindset, using humorous ways to reply to them.

When I began my fitness journey in 2017, I created a social media account just for myself. I wanted to record

Financially speaking, I don’t depend on influencer

my progress, document my workouts, and share my

income even now. Being a KOL isn’t enough to live on

meals. Back then, not many Hong Kong people were into

due to limited advertising income. Especially when the

fitness, so I didn’t expect anyone to watch. But

economy declines, companies’ marketing budgets

surprisingly, people did. Many girls who struggled with

become smaller. I also run my own gym and work as a

their bodies the way I once did began following me. They

fitness coach. My social media is an extension of that —

saw a bit of themselves in my story, and that’s how my

a platform to connect, inspire, and bring people closer

small online diary turned into a growing community.

to a healthier lifestyle.

What keeps me creating even today is my genuine

Over the years, my audience has evolved. At first, most

passion for fitness. Exercise isn’t something temporary;

of my followers were young women looking to get fit.

it’s something that stays with you. It makes me happy, not

But after I got married and became a mother, I started

only because I can eat and still stay fit, but also because I

sharing my pre- and postnatal fitness journey, and it

can see real progress: more muscle tone, a stronger

began resonating with other mums. That, to me, has

body, a reflection I’m proud of. As my following grew, I

been incredibly meaningful. Knowing that my story can

began to realise that my story had an impact. That gave

motivate women at different stages of life gives me a

me a sense of mission to help other women avoid the

deep sense of fulfilment.

mistakes I made, and to inspire them to find strength through fitness.

Looking ahead, I hope my content continues to

Of course, it hasn’t always been easy. When my channel

the more I feel the weight of responsibility to share

empower more people. The more my influence grows, started gaining attention, I began to feel pressure, afraid

positive, honest, and uplifting messages. My goal isn’t

that what I posted might influence others in the wrong

just to promote fitness, but to encourage

way or be harshly judged. I used to post raw, unfiltered

self-acceptance and to bring a bit of strength and

photos and videos, but soon I found myself spending

positivity into the world.

hours perfecting each post, worrying about how I looked.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

MY TRIAL YEAR Chung-yan Art | Lifestyle

I have loved the camera since childhood, inspired

chungyan64

on exhibitions, leading to collaborations with

by my father's passion for photography. In primary

museums and creative spaces. There was no initial

school, I began making short videos and uploading

income, because unlike YouTube, Instagram

them to YouTube. During the pandemic, while in

doesn’t have a revenue-sharing system. But

secondary school, I created “Silent Vlogs”, where

opportunities for brand partnerships arose as my

creators shared their daily lives without speaking,

audience grew.

and I documented my routine of studying and working from home. To my surprise, these videos

However, challenges persist. Many think my job is

attracted a lot of viewers, prompting me to manage

easy: just filming videos for payment. They think,

my social media more seriously.

“You’ve got over 20,000 followers, it must be fun not to go to an office.” It may look glamourous, but

While studying journalism and communication at

it is very demanding. They underestimate the hard

university, I realised that my video work aligned

work, pressure, and uncertainty involved, and their

with different career options in the industry,

comments can be discouraging, making me

whether in journalism, public relations or media

question my decision to be a full-time content creator.

production. They all focused on storytelling. I then thought, instead of pursuing a traditional full-time

At times, filming can also hinder my ability to fully

job and working for a boss, why not manage my

enjoy experiences. To manage this, I plan my

own platform? At that point, I already had around

shots, narration and B-roll in advance, allowing me

20,000 followers, so I decided to give myself a year

to focus on the moment after capturing what I need.

to try it out and see how far I could go. If things

I also keep my personal life separate from my work,

didn’t work out, I could always find a full-time job

avoiding sharing certain aspects online.

later.

At the moment, I see being a content creator as a Now, after graduating, I run my channel full-time

sustainable career, in spite of occasional doubts. I

and truly enjoy the freedom it offers. Unlike my

aim for my content to be informative, not just

friends who have to wake up early and rush to

entertaining. While many use social media to

work, I set my own schedule for filming and editing,

unwind, I hope my audience gains useful insights

which brings me a strong sense of fulfilment. My

from my videos. My videos reflect my genuine

income covers my expenses and allows me to save

interests in exploring life, and filming is an

for travel. Money isn’t my main concern; what

extension of that. I believe I can continue this path

matters more is living the life I want. Therefore, I

long-term, though whether it continues to be my

find content creation suits me perfectly.

primary income source will depend on how things develop in the future.

Most of my videos are driven by personal interests; I create content that excites me. Initially, I focused

27

28

YOUTH SPEAK: INFLUENCERS

SHARING EVERYDAY JOY Wendy Pets | Dogs

deng.and.doumi.the.frenchie

I started taking photos of Deng and Doumi quite

light falling at the perfect angle, I’m always moved. That

naturally. It happened during the COVID-19 pandemic,

instant is fleeting, but it feels so real.

when everyone was suddenly confined at home and the world felt unusually quiet and a little heavy. At that time,

I’ve always believed in taking small, seemingly boring

we began to long for something simple and light-hearted,

things seriously. Looking back now, I realise that this

something that could ease the tension in everyday life. For

creative process has a deeper meaning. Through it, I’ve

me, watching my dogs eat, sleep, and play brought a sense

come to see human connections in a new light.

of calm and comfort. Their steady, ordinary routine gave

Because of my two dogs, I’ve met so many kind-hearted

me a feeling of stability when everything else felt

people — dog owners, followers, and brand partners.

uncertain.

We meet because of a shared love for dogs, and when

At first, I just wanted to record their everyday life, and I

or gain. Those interactions feel genuinely warm, and

we talk, there’s no need to pretend, no talk of efficiency never expected so many people to enjoy it. Later, some

they remind me that even in a world that moves faster

brands reached out for collaborations, especially around

and grows more commercial by the day, there are still

festive seasons, and that’s when I gradually realised this

people willing to slow down to pause, smile, and be

wasn’t just a hobby — it had become a form of creation.

healed by dogs.

Each time I take photos, I put thought into new compositions, themes, and moods. To others, they may

I’ve always felt that Deng and Doumi have taught me

simply look like a few cute pictures of dogs, but to me, it’s

the most important lesson — to live in the present. They

a genuine form of expression — my way of understanding

don’t look back, nor do they worry for tomorrow; they

life and sharing emotions through images.

simply find joy in today. Through my photos, I hope to remind people that even in such a complicated world,

When it comes to filming, Deng and Doumi have

we can still be moved by the purity of the present

completely different personalities. One is calm, the other

moment. Sometimes, just a few seconds of watching

mischievous; yet both are two ways of approaching life. It

them smile is enough to make us remember what life is

made me realise that what I capture through the lens isn’t

meant to be simple, gentle, and worth cherishing.

just the dogs themselves, but also a reflection of how we grow together. Whenever I manage to catch that “just right” moment of their expressions, their wagging tails, the

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

THE DEPTH OF CONTENT Patrick Culture www.thechow.net

I’ve always wanted to write and work in media. In

influencer culture in Hong Kong and around the

the wake of legacy media outlets closing their

world is in seeking the widest reach possible — the

doors or not mentoring young talent, I thought it’d

most followers, likes, comments, shares, etc. But I

be a good idea to start my own newsletter, THE

want people to learn something new from what I

CHOW, which reports on “the business of

write. I want them to feel like their perspectives

subculture.”

were challenged and, hopefully, for them to

I’ve written about hip-hop as a lens into US-China

whether I would rather have 100,000 people watch

resonate with what I have to say. So if you ask me relations, rave culture and Asian modernity, the

a 30-second Instagram reel of my morning routine,

visual culture of industrial decline, the Asian

or have 1,000 people sit down with an essay I

epidemic of faux Japanese-ness, and the punk

wrote, my answer would be the latter.

revival in Hong Kong as “the world’s most expensive city.” All my reporting on the newsletter

Many of the day-in-my-life or gymfluencer creators

is part of a larger project exploring this question:

are creating to pursue metrics. This way of playing

What can subculture, be it hyperlocal brands,

the social media game is a race to the bottom,

“underground” art and design, communities outside

promoting more forms of superficiality. But I also

the mainstream, tell us about economic shifts and

think that everyone pursuing likes for the sake of

emerging business trends?

likes will get one-shotted by the algorithm and AI,

When I started the newsletter, part of it was for

video content. Creators with audiences who

and it's why I don’t care at all to create short-form personal enjoyment, but more of it came from

genuinely care about what they have to say will

seeing it as the only viable way to build a career as

stick around, no matter what medium they use.

a writer in the internet age. I’m still a fan of old media. I just bought 10 books during a recent trip to

I really jolt at the word “influencer.” I much prefer

New York and regularly subscribe to magazines,

the word “creator,” though I’m really not sure how

but I am trying to see how I can interface the very

accurate that is either. But I am a writer. And that

analogue form of writing into the attention economy

means trying to sit down with ideas and examine

and into social media.

them rigorously, and spitting them out with a

Newsletters are an especially difficult channel to

perspective-changing.

keyboard in a way that is artful and grow when you look at it purely in terms of numbers and KPIs. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If my work promotes any “values” or “messages,”

There’s a certain power in the depth of your reach

then it’s really just to encourage people to think

— that is, whether your audience is high quality and

harder about things and pay closer attention to how

engages with your ideas rigorously. A big part of

so much of our world is interconnected.

29

30

YOUTH WATCH

What do Influencers

Influence?

Influencers are pivotal in setting trends, amplifying identities, building communities, impacting consumer

behaviour, and shaping culture. The vibrant space they occupy empowers them to become trusted voices,

blending fun, advocacy and product promotion. With technology and emerging platforms, these creators are driving a dynamic shift in the digital landscape like never before.

Governments also hire influencers to boost tourism. For example, in 2024, the Hong Kong Tourism Board

invited comedian Jimmy O. Yang and over 620 KOLs from outside the city in its strategy of "Seeing is Believing," welcoming them to share their first-hand travel experience with fans.

Globally, the topics of their content cover dimensions including beauty, fashion, fitness, gaming, lifestyle, social justice, sustainability, and wellness. They also address social issues, from diversity to mental health, tailoring content to resonate with audiences across regions and platforms.

Global Influencer Advertising Market Projections of 16 Selected Countries and Regions in 2025

Canada UK Italy

US

Japan Chinese Mainland

India

Nigeria

South Korea

Hong Kong Thailand Singapore Indonesia

Brazil Australia South Africa

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

Major Social Media Platforms Launch Year Global

Facebook

2004

Approx. Monthly Active Users (2025) 3 billion

Content Type / Features Diverse content, social networking

YouTube

2005

2.7 billion

Long-form video, tutorials, livestream

X

2006

561 million

(formerly Twitter)

Real-time updates, news, hashtags, public discourse, trending topics

Instagram

2010

3 billion

Photos, videos, stories, influencer marketing

TikTok

2016

1.6 billion

Short-form viral videos, trends

Threads

2023

400 million

Text-focused social networking, alternative to X, connected with Instagram

China

Bilibili (嗶哩嗶哩)

2009

Weibo (微博)

2009

578 million

Microblogging, news, trends

2011

1.38 billion

Messaging, payments,

WeChat (微信)

376 million

Youth culture, anime, livestreaming

social, e-commerce super app

Kuaishou (快手)

2011

731 million

Short videos, live streaming

Xiaohongshu

2013

320 million

Lifestyle, e-commerce,

(小紅書 or RedNote) Douyin (抖音)

2016

766 million

ShareChat

2015

160 million

Moj (TikTok alternative)

2018

150 million

Short videos, viral trends

LINE

2011

97 million

Messaging, social, super

Chinese version of TikTok India

Japan

social commerce Short videos, live streaming, e-commerce Indian regional language content

app features South Korea

Kakaotalk

2010

48.2 million

Messaging, brand pages

Thailand

Pantip

1999

Not publicly

Forums, niche discussions

disclosed

31

32

YOUTH WATCH

Comparing Asia with the Rest of the World Asia’s influencer landscape, distinguished by the scale and diversity of its markets and

platforms, sets it apart from the Western influencer economy. While Western influencers often emphasise polished personal branding and individual celebrity, Asian influencers integrate commerce, community, and culture in more intertwined and localised ways.

Moreover, Asian influencers frequently serve as cultural ambassadors within highly

segmented linguistic and regional markets, tailoring content that resonates deeply with local identities. This is in contrast to the broader, sometimes more generic, targeting common in Europe and North America. The conflation of social values with brand

promotion, particularly around sustainability and social advocacy, is also a growing trend in Asia, reflecting evolving consumer expectations regionally and globally.

Hong Kong

Chinese Mainland

Hong Kong’s influencer scene straddles tradition and

The influencer, or Wanghong (internet celebrity), landscape

innovation, reflecting its unique cultural and economic position. Influencers there often operate on a mix of

global and Chinese platforms using multiple languages,

highlighting Hong Kong’s multicultural background. They share real-life experiences and emphasise Hong Kong local culture and social issues, creating content that reflects city life and traditions.

This diverse group of content creators includes fitness YouTuber Emi Wong, comedic commentators like

Smilingboris (笑波子), Mingjai (Ming仔), and lifestyle

creator Hanna Vanharanta. (see page 13) Recently, a

75-year-old uncle became a beloved influencer in Hong

Kong on the social media platform Threads. Simon Yuen, affectionately known as Uncle Simon by his followers,

has gained popularity since 2024 by sharing simple and

authentic moments of daily life with his wife. Many of his followers are young people who see his lifestyle as an ideal example of retirement living.

Influencers also play a critical role in boosting the local

economy and sales. The city’s online shopping platform, HKTV Mall, for example, actively recruits influencers

through livestream shopping to promote local products.

Similarly, brands like Chanel Beauty invested

significantly in influencer Mother’s Day campaigns.

in the Chinese Mainland is defined by its comparatively

independent ecosystem of super-apps. At the heart of this

ecosystem is a hyper-commercial and sales-driven model, with livestreaming e-commerce as its powerhouse.

Top influencers, such as Li Jiaqi (李佳琦), host marathon

shopping streams, generating billions of revenue in a single session. Content is meticulously crafted for "grass-planting" (種草), which is a popular internet slang term to describe

the act of sharing and recommending things, and is heavily optimised to cater to platform algorithms and the loyal

"super fans" who actively spend to support their favourite influencers.

Apart from the livestreaming side, content creator Li Ziqi

(李子柒) posts about a romanticised, self-sufficient rural life, from farming, cooking, to crafting traditional items. Papi

Jiang (papi醬) became famous for her fast-paced, satirical videos where she plays multiple characters, while

commenting on social issues and generational differences, building fame on highly produced, narrative-driven videos or relatable comedy. There are also experts and

knowledge-sharing influencers, such as Professor Luo Xiang, who have become famous by making complex topics, like law and technology, accessible to a mass audience.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

Japan

Thailand

Japan’s influencer marketing has surged alongside

Thailand’s influencer ecosystem is booming, with over

increasing internet penetration, with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube becoming primary sources of information for young audiences. Unlike traditional media, influencers in Japan cultivate genuine trust by providing relatable, often behind-the-scenes insights into their lives. For example, lifestyle and tech influencers deliver comprehensive product reviews that appear more credible than formal advertisements. Notably, Japanese influencers emphasise subtlety and craftsmanship, reflecting cultural values of precision and dedication. Standout names include Naomi Watanabe, a leading fashion and body positivity influencer, and Hikakin, known as the “King of Japanese YouTube,” for his product reviews.

South Korea In South Korea, influencer marketing thrives on celebrity

3 million individuals, 5% of the country’s population,

working as influencers. Thai influencers often act as cultural trendsetters, blending entertainment and

endorsement with a deep understanding of local and global audiences. Standout examples include Freen Sarocha, who bridges luxury fashion and beauty

industries, and Santa (Pongsapak Udompoch), whose content mixes pop culture and collaborations that

resonate strongly with youth. Additionally, Thailand has a thriving community of LGBTQ+ influencers, like the

well-known Bie The Ska, who champion inclusivity and

bring diverse voices into mainstream influencer culture.

The country also embraces cutting-edge tech; some

influencers use AI avatars to engage audiences in novel

ways, pioneering new digital identity forms. This blend of

tradition, diversity, and tech innovation defines Thailand’s distinctive influencer landscape.

power, as well as on micro and nano influencers, who

Singapore

especially the MZ generation (Millennials and Gen Z). A

Singapore’s influencer scene is distinguished by a

prominence by offering approachable tutorials and honest

and lifestyle. Influencers like Yoyo Cao have become

fosters two-way communication, making followers feel

business acumen, based on her journey from opening

illustrates the innovative landscape, combining

Tan, a YouTuber known for comedy skits, vlogs, and

pushing boundaries of engagement and brand storytelling.

his content in food, travel, and lifestyle.

build intimate, trust-based connections with followers,

striking example is makeup influencer Leo J, who rose to

strong entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on fashion

reviews. Unlike traditional endorsements, his content

emblematic figures, merging fashion expertise with

part of a community. The rise of virtual influencers further

a label to becoming a top style setter in Asia. JianHao

AI-generated characters with influencer marketing,

content focused on youth culture, and Brad Lau, with

Indonesia Indonesia presents a unique scenario where influencers

use their platforms not only for commercial purposes, but

also for social advocacy and community mobilisation. The country’s digital marketing landscape is characterised by a blend of entertainment, charitable campaigns, and

social awareness, often intertwined in the content. Jerome Polin, known for making math education engaging,

reaches younger audiences while blending humour with learning. Fellexandro Ruby has built a strong platform

focused on youth empowerment and community building, reaching beyond traditional influencer boundaries.

India India presents the most vast and heterogeneous

market for influencers, reflecting its linguistic and cultural diversity. Influencers here range from

Bollywood celebrities to regional language content creators who reach millions through YouTube,

Instagram, and emerging platforms like Koo (a Twitter alternative). Standout influencers include Tanmay

Bhat, a comedian and content creator recognised for his unfiltered, satirical style. Sakshi Sindwani

promotes body positivity and self-love; Prajakta Koli, known as MostlySane, blends relatable content with social awareness campaigns, while Diipa

Büller-Khosla combines entrepreneurship with environmental activism.

33

34

HKFYG SERVICES

How the Federation Supports Young Influencers The Federation actively supports young influencers and digital entrepreneurs by providing a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to the modern creator. The goal is to equip young people with the skills, resources, and emotional resilience needed to thrive in the dynamic digital landscape and build purposeful, sustainable careers.

Leadership Training: NextGen English Influencers

Multimedia: M21 Creator Space

How can future leaders dive into content creation and

With young people increasingly eager to express themselves

multimedia? This past summer, the HKFYG Leadership

through media, their biggest challenge is often not a lack of

Institute tackled that question with its Summer School for

ideas, but a lack of space to bring them to life. M21 Creator

NextGen English Influencers, tailored for students passionate

Space, a 24/7 co-creation hub for young creators aged 18 to

about digital storytelling. Over four transformative days,

35, provides a platform where young people can freely

participants turned their initial ideas into polished short reels,

explore their ideas without the pressure of high rental costs or

exploring themes from personal experiences to uplifting tales

limited resources.

of perseverance. Watching these young creators take their hesitant sketches to confident narratives was truly inspiring.

Creator Space offers professional equipment, collaborative opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages

The programme extended beyond the classroom, featuring

experimentation and innovation. It’s where young creators

lessons, site visits, and engaging fireside chats. A highlight

can build their own voice, refine their craft, and grow their

was the discussion with industry experts, where participants

audience, while staying grounded in purpose and

fired off questions about content hacks, algorithm-friendly

community. The space also serves as a youth empowerment

hooks and strategies for authentic engagement. This session

platform by nurturing creative confidence, fostering peer

provided valuable insights into the influencer landscape,

learning, and connecting with mentors and industry

leaving everyone buzzing with actionable takeaways. Equally

professionals. Through hands-on experience and community

memorable was the visit to Google Hong Kong. Touring the

support, young creators are inspired to express themselves,

vibrant office offered a peek behind the curtain of YouTube's

tell their stories, and shape the future of media and culture.

secretive algorithm process. Participants unravelled how data drives content discovery and learned how to combine analytics with creativity.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

Counselling: Re: Imagine Lab

35

Employment: Youth Business Hong Kong

To help young people cope with social comparison anxiety

The Youth Business Hong Kong (YBHK) programme,

resulting from constant virtual engagement, the Federation’s

organised by the Federation, supports young people aspiring

Media Counselling Centre uTouch and the School of

to start or expand a business, offering seed money through

Journalism at the Chinese University of Hong Kong partnered

interest-free loans (up to HK$180,000, or up to HK$200,000

to design the Re: Imagine Lab OMO Online Image

for AI-enabled projects), mentorship, professional

Remodelling Project, utilising ecology, technology and care

consultancy, hands-on business support, and essential

as an intervention approach. The project offers personalised

information networks.

social media analysis, influencer training, image makeovers and hands-on workshops, enabling participants to gain insights into the ecology of the social media landscape, learning to leverage technology tools and care for their own emotional well-being, ultimately reducing anxiety and empowering them to regain control over their lives.

Influencers and entrepreneurs, such as Joy Yu, were among the participants in this programme designed to empower entrepreneurial talents. This alignment with innovative, youth-led ventures makes YBHK a practical pathway for young Hong Kong residents seeking to turn ideas into sustainable enterprises while building mentorship-backed networks.

36

YOUTH SPACE : OPINION

IS MODERN BOYHOOD TOXIC?

by Oscar Cheung

A unique perspective on how today’s boys have to navigate identity, misogyny, and the digital world.

I watched the Netflix series, Adolescence, the moment it dropped in March 2025 and was completely blindsided by its riveting plot. It wasn’t until my

rewatch, after the cast, directors, and writers swept eight awards in September at the Emmys, that I moved

past the shock factor and began examining the

underlying messages. What I found was that the social commentary hit incredibly close to home.

Spanning four episodes, the series follows the events surrounding Jamie and the alleged murder of his

schoolmate, Katie. The show traces the fallout from

Jamie’s arrest, the police investigation at his school, one

of

his

sessions

with

Briony,

a

forensic

psychologist, and the lingering impact on his family one year after the incident, revealing complicated

factors of cyberbullying, peer pressure, social media, bullying, toxic masculinity, mental health, and modern parenting in the digital age.

Adolescence garnered critical acclaim, particularly for its direction and cinematography: each hour-long episode was filmed in a single continuous shot. One review from The Guardian hailed it as “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades."

Beyond its technical flair, Adolescence confronts problems young men face in the modern world. Teenage boys struggle with self-identity, which is exacerbated by inadequate support systems and uninhibited access to social media. In turn, some may become radicalised and spew misogyny that harms girls and women.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

37

I have been studying at a boys’ school for the past five

should’ve done better.” Parents undeniably shape their

is a quiet pressure to conform. It is always much easier to

complicated in the digital age, as they are not in control of

years. As with relatively homogeneous environments, there make friends with shared interests. This year, I started watching live football. It has been enjoyable, especially joining in post-match banter. However, I often worry that

my newfound passion might stem from the fear of not meeting a stereotypical standard of masculinity.

children’s safety and self-worth, but that responsibility is social media’s influence on their children. Schools fare no better.

When

teachers

already

shoulder

endless

administrative work, can we realistically expect them to act as friends, advocates, and counsellors? And when they’re overwhelmed, can we really blame them?

Adolescence actually made me question if I was jumping

We live in a digital world utterly unlike that of our parents

being a “manly” pursuit. Jamie was taken by his father,

teenagers connect to the world, has amplified online hate

on the football bandwagon because of its reputation of

Eddie, to football and boxing because he thought it would him

up."

Of

course, this reinforces the long-standing expectation

that

cultural boys

should be sporty, or at least be interested in sports. In a way,

I

see

“

some

speech. One prominent influencer emerging from the manosphere, an anti-feminist online

network of male communities, is Andrew Tate, who has propagated

All kids really need is one thing that makes them feel okay about themselves

aggressive sexist views on TikTok

“

“toughen

and teachers. Social media, while revolutionising how

since 2022. His inflammatory rhetoric denying the existence of depression,

demeaning women as property of

— Detective Sergeant Misha Frank, Adolescence

resemblance between me

men, and even blaming victims of

sexual assault has infiltrated schools

and Jamie: neither of us is

worldwide. Even my schoolmates

athletic, but creative. Jamie

have incessantly reposted his videos on Instagram Stories.

in drawing; me in creative writing.

Looking back, I see in myself a subconscious need to fit

into a masculine narrative, resulting in attempts at a more confident gait, lifting weights for muscular arms (to no avail), or changing my taste in music.

I realise my idea of masculinity is fragile: I feel insecure about the way I present myself, fearing that I might be seen

as effeminate. There’s nothing inherently wrong with

walking differently, having lanky arms, or listening to “basic” pop music, but there is always a voice in the background

insisting

that

these

are

emasculating

characteristics, leaving me to wonder whether my self-identity is being submerged in exchange for popularity or a closer rapport among my peers.

Who Is to Blame The journey towards individuality becomes even more treacherous without the guidance of trusted adults.

Adolescence concludes with Eddie weeping on Jamie’s bed and whispering into his teddy bear: “I’m sorry, son. I

While I found his opinion appalling and muted such

content, it still appealed to a global audience of young men. Why? Perhaps

because

chauvinism

was

his

wrapped

presented

in

message the

of

guise

male

of

self-improvement. Tate’s videos flaunting supercars, mansions, and luxury watches — using material wealth to project images of success — were bound to resonate with

teenagers vulnerable to external influence, as they seek identity development. Followers misconstrued aggression, dominance and sexism as hallmarks of masculinity leading

to prosperity, without considering the toxicity of it all.

(Continued on page 46)

⏩

Oscar Cheung, 16, is a member of Youth Hong Kong's young writers team. He is from St. Paul’s College and participated in the HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest. Passionate about writing, music, and most importantly, life, he strives to find joy in the most mundane things and share that happiness with those around him.

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YOUTH SPACE：WRITING

WRITING YOUR OWN WAY

by Kirsten Choi

A student’s reflection on why writing isn’t one-size-fits-all, but a balancing act between your unique subjective style and the objective rules.

Eagerly awaiting my writing paper exam, I was thrilled

thoughts spiralled down the drain. I questioned all my prior

to finally see my grade. Wondering if I’d score a 23, 24

knowledge and work, wondering if I had always been

or 25 out of 25, I was shocked as I laid eyes on a

wrong about my talents and creativity. So one day, I

screeching 19, marked in bloody, scorching red ink. I

decided to ask my teacher what had happened. What she

let out an exasperated gasp, thinking there was

told me changed my whole perception of writing.

definitely a marking mistake.

Writing is a subjective concept. I find good in works people

My previous teacher had never given me lower than 23,

deem as bad, and I find what is considered good, bad.

and receiving a 19 from another teacher was foreign

Different people have different standards, and we all view

territory. How could I even get something much lower

creativity in different ways. Some could link it to deeper

than my average? I was absolutely devastated, and my

ideas, whereas others discerned no depth whatsoever.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

That’s when it hit me: the marker of my writing had a

better, so good writing can be achieved by mastering

different approach to creativity than my normal teacher.

objective criteria. Many excellent writers have learnt to

Taking a look at the comments again, I discovered some

adhere to linking the objective: structure, grammar and

of her points were valid and reasonable.

process, with the subjective: content, humour, tone and

Subjectivity mainly lies in the depth, creative interpretation

even style, and we can learn and be inspired by them.

and literary devices of different works. Take this famous

Therefore, because genres and styles of writing can be

short story as an example, “For sale: Baby shoes, never

subjective, there is no need to be discouraged by the

worn.” To some, it's a brief sentence about baby shoes on

comments of others. Some might find your writing a work

sale; a technically and literally correct assumption.

of art, whereas others might view it as the creation of

However, the true meaning might be that the baby had

Satan. And that is okay because people have different

died, and the shoes remain unworn. Our individual

writing styles. What appeals to one may be as distant as

interpretation of meaning, though, may actually and

the moon and the sun, yet that does not invalidate one

factually differ from the author’s intent. It is normal to

creation over another.

mis-assume or mistake hidden meanings.

Thus, it is important for us to learn to appreciate a variety

If writing really is that subjective, you might be wondering:

of writing styles of writers, whether controversial,

how do teachers fairly mark them? The answer lies in the

dystopian, or abstract. Each is unique in a way that makes

objective standards.

their creations theirs. Receiving conflicting opinions is not

Picture this, a writing with perfect grammar, consistent flow, clear prose, detailed descriptions and linked plots.

Then, picture this, a writing with messy grammatical

a sign of failure; it indicates that your writing has had the power to be thought-provoking, requiring further analysis and deeper thinking.

structures, inconsistent pacing, lack of detail and plot

The goal isn’t to write for everyone so that they all love

holes. Which one would be more pleasing to read?

your work. Instead, it is to write for an audience that

Definitely the first one.

connects with your voice and style. Subjectivity, to like or

So, while writing might be thought of as subjective, it’s not actually without any objective standards. Accuracy and

not, is a choice. It is also a freedom for you to express whatever you want in your own way.

clear interpretations are general factors that make writing

Kirsten Choi is a student from Ying Wa Girls’ School who is passionate about writing and public speaking. As a participant in this year's HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest, she believes that words connect people and act as the strongest form of communication. When she’s not writing or doing public speaking, she enjoys spending her time shopping and going to the beach.

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40

YOUTH SPACE : MUSIC

SOUNDTRACKS OF MY LIFE

by Paisley Kwok

A young writer traces her emotional journey through the lyrics that helped her understand friendship, identity, and the courage to grow.

Music is a universal language for emotional expression. As a person who finds solace in songs and soundtracks, it was something that always felt comforting and called to me at different points in my life.

Like the first time I realised life was not the sunshine and rainbows I expected it to be, I remember relating to the lyrics of Taylor Swift’s You’re on Your Own, Kid. I had a friend from kindergarten, and we were basically inseparable until we grew apart. A part of me wanted to cling to the friendship I’d built with her:

Summer went away, still the yearning stays I play it cool with the best of them I found myself holding onto something that was dear to me, but I’d lost my friend without realising it. I now would do anything to be aligned with a certain friend group and emulate how they behaved.

I waited ages to see you there I searched the party of better bodies Just to learn that you never cared

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

The feelings I was clinging onto seemed wasted and all I

To something new, something brave,

felt was grief and anger. That’s when I decided to reflect what I had done wrong, and what I needed to work on. It was an overwhelming and dreadful process.

So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it Back in the present, having moved on with new friends, looking back has its own lessons to teach: cherish friends as they can get lost in time. The lyrics also seemed like an encouragement for me to do the stuff that matters to me in the moment.

to someone I, I have never been The contrast allows the audience to connect directly with Mal's inner life. It serves as a moment of genuine, non-magical, and personal reflection, which grounds Mal's character and makes her journey more meaningful to the viewer.

Will you still be with me when the magic's all run out?

This expresses a fundamental anxiety in any friendship: If I stop trying to be who you want me to be, and I show you my flaws and my real self, will you still love me?

You’re on your own, kid You always have been As someone who prefers solitude, there is concern about me being alone. The song implies that being on my own need not be something scary or pessimistic. Instead, it reminds me that I can face hardships on my own and still live the life I desire.

As Taylor provided the soundtrack for that moment in my life, If Only, accompanied me in another instance. From the Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants, the song is performed by Dove Cameron, who plays Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, and helped me when I was making statements like, “If only I hadn’t intervened with something, it’ll be alright.”

A million thoughts in my head Should I let my heart keep listening As the character overthinks everything, like everyone else

A question that transcends the fantasy setting.

This honesty is a huge reason why fans, including myself, connect with it. It felt weird because I hadn’t really made my own decisions before, and that moment of freedom felt unfamiliar.

We have, no matter our age, experienced these emotions at some point, when looking back tasting the bittersweet memories: bitter enough to remember the hurt; and sweet enough to feel released.

My young life has already been a bumpy ride. To all of you out there, struggling to find your true selves, and not letting yourself down because of criticism, I’d say it takes time to heal and grow wings. Looking back will become a lesson in who you want to be.

And in all these moments, there are soundtracks to journey with you.

when they lose someone they’ve resonated with, or when they are trying to discover their true identity, especially in the process of maturing, the song is placed as an emotional centrepiece, slowing down the other fast-paced, high-energy musical numbers.

Paisley Kwok, 14, is a student from HKFYG Lee Shan Kee College. She is passionate about writing and reading books, while seeking opportunities to maximise learning.

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42

YOUTH SPACE : READING

BOOK WORM

by Hedwig Siu

A student’s cry to read more!

No one can deny that reading is a crucial part of

and lift-the-flap stories cluttered every surface. My love of

signs, work documents, menus or directions. Now, it

possibilities, each sentence an unknown future. And before

modern-day life; anytime, anyplace, we are reading:

seems the enjoyment of text-based media is fading fast in comparison to the rise of social media and bite-sized videos — forms of entertainment made for shorter attention spans. Still, there remain a handful of

passionate readers who would pick up a book over a

video game console any day. So, what is it about books that captivates these resilient hearts and minds?

Since I was a child, books were all over my house. My mother was a strong advocate of reading, even for

toddlers. Fairy tales and counting guides, picture books

books was planted. Each page held new and unlimited

I knew it, I was reading novels at the age of six. My mind

learned how to visualise scenes based on description and how to imagine characters. I learned how to see through words and understand worlds different from our own.

At the time, I hadn’t realised this was called imagination. I

believed it was normal to be open-minded and perceptive.

I thought it was common practice for everyone to open a

book and drown in every scene, leaving reality behind, or swim in a world of words. This did not make me a

daydreamer, but instead helped sharpen and develop my

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

mind, teaching me to focus and think out of the box.

It is never really about the books; it is about habits.

I didn’t just absorb; I learnt and applied. The vocabulary

Watching this fast-paced world move around and ahead

and I learnt how to solve problems and to approach the

just can’t help but wonder: Is reading for pleasure going

began writing my own novel.

Think about it. If we all collectively give up reading as a

and grammar in the books improved my English skills,

of me with artificial intelligence and luminescent screens, I

same issue in more than one way. Not long ago, I even

to be a thing of the past, left behind as ancient history?

Some have claimed that my experience is uncommon and

leisure activity, what will happen? I can already foresee a

my friend, for example, who used to detest reading. A

increased restlessness among children, and the loss of a

Reader programme to encourage students to read. With

feelings, but also language, culture, and so much more

no choice but to begin reading. Over the course of a year,

Because to me, a book is more than a bunch of papers

unrelatable. However, it is just about circumstances. Take

few possible outcomes: job loss among full-time authors,

while ago, our school implemented the Accelerated

beautiful way of expressing not just our opinions and

the programme tied to our English grade, my friend had

that lies underneath the rigid cover of a book.

her reading level skyrocketed. She gained new

vocabulary, witty responses, and now, you would never

see her without a book in her hands. That’s how much the power of reading can change you.

between pieces of cardboard; more than just printed

words on dead trees; more than sentences and scenarios mushed together. No, a book is a type of expression, art, creation, someone’s thoughts, someone’s hidden voice,

While I am happy for my friend, as an avid reader who

someone’s passion displayed for the world to see. Books

see people being “forced” to read. I believe that reading

videos about Italian brain-rot or meaningless memes.

voluntary act. A little like drawing: people draw because

opportunities to learn and grow.

likes promoting books and reading culture, it kills me to

are more — if not definitely better — than 30-second

should never be a task or requirement, but rather a

They create worlds beyond our understanding and offer

they want to and because they feel the art. Likewise, the

So please, when tempted to pick up their Instagram or

enjoyment of reading can only be truly experienced

through a genuine willingness to do so. There’s no point in being forced to read, because you’re not really enjoying

43

TikTok, don’t. Find a book instead, and allow yourself to get lost within a magical world.

anything; it becomes nothing more than looking at long words that you don’t care about.

As a teenager, I spotted the changes amongst my peers and the little addictive screens that rob them of their

interests and their ability to imagine. My heart breaks to

see beloved paperbacks sob, lying abandoned on their shelves, rotting away untouched.

Hedwig Siu is a 13-year-old international school student who enjoys reading, sleeping, writing, public speaking, drawing and fluffy things. She likes fiction and her favourite book is The Midnight Library. She aspires to become a psychologist and end discrimination towards neurodivergence one day.

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HKFYG HIGHLIGHTS：ALUMNI

Finding Home, Building Bridges From a lost student to a committed mentor, William Du shows how connection can reshape a life and many others.

Born and raised in the Chinese Mainland, William grew up fascinated by Hong Kong long before he ever arrived.

As a child, he watched the 1997 handover on television and devoured Hong Kong dramas and detective series.

The city on screen seemed fast, modern, full of possibility.

His first visit finally came in 2008, during the Beijing Olympics, for a Model United Nations conference at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “Hong Kong felt like the future,” he reflects. Years later, he became a university student, and the city became his second home.

Small Act, Big Beginning That first day in Hong Kong was anything but glamorous.

“I was standing at Hung Hom Station with two big suitcases, completely lost,” William laughs. “There were so many footbridges, and I had no idea where the student hall was.” He didn’t speak Cantonese and resorted to bits of English, hoping someone would understand. Then a stranger approached, spoke to him in Putonghua, and helped carry his bags to the student hall. “That moment stayed with me,” William says. “It made me realise that language is the first step to belonging.”

Determined to integrate, William promised himself to learn Cantonese no matter how hard it was. “Even if I sounded awkward, I insisted on using it with classmates,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to hide behind English or Putonghua.” Those early efforts were more than linguistic; they helped him to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the unfamiliar. “When you learn a language, you learn a culture,” he says. “And for me, that was the beginning of truly understanding Hong Kong.”

From Hong Kong to Global With Cantonese now a bridge, William became more curious. At the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), he studied Social Policy and Administration, eager to understand Hong Kong society, politics and people. The mindset to learn more than just through textbooks pushed him to join conferences, volunteer at events, and actively seek every opportunity to broaden his horizons.

Soon, exploration went global. William joined an exchange programme and internship in Canada and the United States, respectively, attended summer school in the United Kingdom, and participated in a study programme organised by Mercedes-Benz in Germany.

Each experience added a new layer to his perspective.

“The more I saw the world abroad, the more I appreciated Hong Kong’s connectivity and opportunities,” he reflects. Seeing other cities made him value Hong Kong’s unique position as a hub — a place where East meets West and possibilities converge.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

Alongside these ventures, William was also searching for a sense of belonging closer to home. “I didn’t attend a local secondary school, so I was looking for a community,” he recalls. It led him to the Federation, where he found peers and mentors who shared his passion for growth. “It felt like a place where ideas and friendships could thrive,” he says. From Dragon 100, where he forged lasting friendships, to Youth I.D.E.A.S., which taught him how to communicate with media and engage policymakers, the Federation became a quiet companion and an alma mater in his journey as he explored both the world and himself.

Taking the Initiative and Giving Back A pivotal moment arrived at a gala during an international conference. Spotting Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties, William summoned his nerve, walked up and introduced himself in Cantonese. He recalls with a faint smile, “He instantly knew I wasn’t local.” That brief exchange led to an email, a long silence and then an invitation to volunteer at a major Hang Lung event. “From this encounter, I learnt about the power of initiative,” says William.

Mentorship became a defining theme in William’s life.

From Ronnie Chan to Bernard Chan, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board, and other leaders, each offered guidance that shaped his outlook. “I believe in mentorship — passing on what was once given to me,” he says. That belief drives his commitment to give back to young people and to his “alma mater,” the Federation, which accompanied him through his formative years.

Today, William mentors students at the University of Hong Kong and PolyU, often pairing a mainland student with a local one to foster mutual understanding. He also launched initiatives like Time Auction, encouraging young people to exchange volunteer hours for learning opportunities with mentors. Beyond these, he serves as a mentor in various programmes organised by the HKFYG Leadership Institute, sharing his journey and insights with aspiring leaders. “I want them to learn from each other, just like I did,” he says. “It’s

45

about building bridges and creating opportunities for the next generation.”

Giving back didn’t stop at youth. Inspired by another mentor, George Yeo, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs in Singapore, and his mother, a paediatric doctor, William began supporting children with cancer through fundraising initiatives. He also champions mental health for young people, exploring ways to ease stress and strengthen resilience. “Belonging is not just physical, but emotional,” he says. “If we can help young people feel supported, we help them thrive.”

Managing these initiatives wasn’t easy. “Honestly, it was hard to juggle everything,” he admits. “I had to prioritise what mattered most and sacrifice some leisure time. But when you know your purpose, those trade-offs feel worthwhile.”

Be a Generalist, Stay Curious William describes his career as “T-shaped”: broad exposure across policy, culture, and community, anchored by deep expertise in real estate leasing and marketing. “Soft skills, like communication, critical thinking, and curiosity, help you cross divides,” he says.

His advice to young people is simple yet profound: “You’ll never know what you’ll become until you keep trying, keep learning.”

Not every step leads straight to the destination, he adds.

“Sometimes you circle around, explore the ‘nearby,’ and discover what matters.” For William, that journey began with a single act of kindness at Hung Hom Station and continues today as he helps others find their own path.

“Belonging leads to responsibility, and responsibility shapes the next generation,” he says.

William Du is a seasoned business executive

who has gained greatly from HKFYG activities

through programmes such as Dragon 100,

Youth I.D.E.A.S., and he fully championed the

idea of youth mentorship through his experience

with the HKFYG Leadership Institute.

46

YOUTH SPACE : OPINION

⏩ (Continued from page 37) It is worth noting here that

Tate has been charged with rape and human trafficking in

authorities linked to unchecked social media exposure.

These are but two instances highlighting how online

Romania and the UK. He should never be seen as a role

radicalisation produces tangible, harrowing effects.

The misogyny that echoes Tate’s beliefs permeates

how easily innocence can be eroded by toxic

model, let alone the epitome of masculinity.

Adolescence. Briony’s psychological assessment notes

that Katie wasn’t Jamie’s type because she was “flat”,

highlighting his overt objectification of girls. When

questioned about the night of the murder, Jamie says, “I

could have touched any part of her body. I really wanted

to, but I didn't. Most boys would've touched her, so that

makes me better.”

I was chilled to the bone by this particular quote. How can

refraining from sexually assaulting a girl, but then

murdering her, be framed as moral superiority? That this

logic comes from a 13-year-old child is terrifying.

Dismantling Stereotypes

The plot of Adolescence serves as a stark reminder of

masculinity. Insecure young men, regardless of age or

background, are being exploited under the guise of

empowerment. They are indoctrinated by sexism and

become its messengers. Hate speech online can then

translate into ruthless acts offline, endangering the lives

of others. And the perpetrators don’t look like monsters.

Many viewers of the show, myself included, were thrown

by the incongruence of Jamie’s doe-eyed physical

appearance and his vile, misogynistic thoughts and

deeds.

As modern-day adolescents, we must navigate both real

and digital worlds while trying to define ourselves. Our

egos are fragile, and we instinctively cling to things that

In our daily lives, prejudice against women often manifests

affirm our self-worth.

teacher is “on her period” when she reprimands students;

Dismantling masculine stereotypes is easier said than

itself in seemingly innocuous sayings. The jokes that a

or teasing someone for “running like a girl” in PE lessons;

or telling a friend to “man up” when he’s upset, reflect

pervasive stereotypes that harm people of all genders and

have led to countless cases of gender-based violence.

In 2024, three girls, aged 6 to 9, were stabbed to death at

a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop in the UK by a

17-year-old boy, who was believed to be influenced by

radical materials online. In 2025, a 14-year-old boy in

Malaysia was arrested for killing a 16-year-old girl, a case

done. But what if we relied on each other more than on

online influencers? What if we lent an empathetic ear to

our friends, refusing to partake in discriminatory

discourse? Or if we were less judgmental or

hypercritical? Instead, what if we wove a support

network where everyone feels seen? Then, the plot of

Adolescence might just remain in the realm of fiction.

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

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Be Organic Be Healthy

Discover the Perfect Lunar New Year Delicacy

With Lunar New Year around the corner, the HKFYG Jockey Club Organic Farm proudly presents its festive Organic Daikon Cake — a seasonal delight you won’t want to miss!

Prepared with a health-focused recipe, this cake is made using our own organically grown daikon, the only ones in Hong Kong certified under both the USDA National Organic Program and Hong Kong’s organic standards.

Free from MSG and preservatives, it brings warmth and wholesome goodness to your celebrations, making it the perfect festive treat for the Year of the Horse. Share it with family and friends as a gesture of health, joy, and heartfelt blessings.

*Images are for reference only.

hkfygorganicfarm

For Order and Enquiry:

Tel/ WhatsApp: 2838 4808

Website: www.organicfarm.hk

Email: organicfarm@hkfyg.org.hk

All images are for reference only.

Place your order here

Scan and follow us:

hkfygorganicfarm

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HKFYG HIGHLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS：LEADERSHIP RESEARCH 主辦機構 Organiser

支持機構 Supporting Organisations

Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Winter School

Empower Students with Future Skills In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, it is vital to prepare students not only for academic excellence but also for the dynamic challenges of the future. The HKFYG Leadership Institute’s Winter School for Future Professionals offers two thematic tracks for participants to choose from, designed to inspire, challenge, and prepare young minds for tomorrow’s opportunities.

MedTech Master

ESG Explorer

This track offers a deep dive into Hong Kong’s

This track focuses on sustainability and the

rapidly evolving medical technology sector,

circular economy, including a taster lecture at

featuring a university lecture at CUHK’s

HKUST’s Division of Environment and

Department of Biomedical Engineering, a visit to

Sustainability, visits to smart recycling facilities

CUHK’s research team developing magnetic

and AS Watson Industries, and a team-based

microrobots for minimally invasive intervention

hackathon addressing real ESG cases.

and a 3D printing MedTech start-up, and a team-based hackathon to tackle real-world healthcare challenges.

All participants will join Common Core Sessions designed to strengthen essential skills for future success, including career and university planning workshops, interview and CV preparation, personal statement writing, and mentor sharing.

This programme is ideal for students who wish to improve their interview skills and are interested in pursuing popular subjects such as medical technology or sustainability.

Registration Information Eligibility

Details

． S3 - S6 (Grade 9-13) students in the 2025/26 academic year ． Competent in English communication

12–15 February 2026 (4 days, 3 nights) The HKFYG Leadership Institute, Fanling

． Early Bird Fee: HK$4,000 per person (Deadline: 25 January 2026, Sunday) ． Regular Fee: HK$4,500 per person (Deadline: 1 February 2026, Sunday)

Register Now WhatsApp: 6796 7693

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

Organised by

Supporting Media

Neighbours Are Always Here NEIGHBOURHOOD First Reunion Lunch

SAT

07 FEB

Ping Pak Lane Park

18 Districts

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50

HKFYG HIGHLIGHTS: YOUTH FORUM

Keynote Address

Future Forward: Young People Ten Years From Now

The HKFYG 65th Anniversary Youth Forum: Navigating Change Together concluded on 26 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Bringing together nearly 30 speakers from academia, government, social and business sectors, we explored the future of youth development over the next ten years under three core pillars: Talent Cultivation, Social Participation and Environmental Wellness.

Graced by distinguished guests and prominent speakers

Officiated by Clarence Leung Wang-ching, Acting Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General, Youth Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Ho Kai-ming, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Kenneth Leung Yuk-wai, Vice-Chairman, Youth Development Commission; and the HKFYG’s President Kenneth Chen Wei-on and Executive Director Hsu Siu-man, the Forum opened with a Keynote Address and a Featured Presentation.

“We are now in a world upended by ‘great changes unseen in a century.’ When chaos is the new normal, what young people need is ‘battle-readiness’ – to respond, adjust and navigate whatever comes their way,” shared Professor Anthony Cheung, Chair Professor & Advisor (Public Administration), The Education University of Hong Kong.

Featured Presentation

Who are the Present Generation

“With strong bargaining power, the present generation embrace a ‘slash’ lifestyle. How we help them develop core competencies and actualise their self-worth remains a topic warranting our attention,” shared Dr Kay Lam, Consultant, Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong.

A day filled with insights and perspectives

Scan for more details here

In the two plenary and six parallel sessions that followed, we further sparked discussions on “Intergenerational Dialogue: An Inclusive Future”, “How Young People Can Shape Their Own Futures”, “What Does Gen Z Bring Forward to the Workplace?”, “Small vs Big NGOs: Competition or Collaboration?”, “How Can Young People Break Free From Emotional Quicksand?”, “The Age of AI: How Can Young People Stand Out?”, “Unleashing Creativity: Youth-Driven Social Innovation”, and “What Does It Take to Build a Community Where Mental Health Matters?”

December 2025 | Youth Hong Kong

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