Are Game Influencers’ Contents Suitable for Minors? Reflections from Media Literacy

Atarama-Rojas T.; Anastacio-Coello L. · Comunicacion y Medios (2026) · DOI: 10.5354/0719-1529.2026.80447

Resumen

This study analyzes the content produced by the game influencers most followed by Peruvian minors on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to identify the risks and challenges they pose for media literacy. A quantitative content analysis was conducted on 1,500 items, evenly distributed across the three platforms, considering predominant content type, behaviors promoted through oral, written, and gestural discourse, complementary themes, and communicative style. The results show that replicable content predominates, followed by ludic content, accompanied by discourses fostering consumption habits, behavioral patterns, and belonging to gamer communities. Practices that may increase minors’ vulnerability were also identified, such as exposure to covert persuasive messages and the normalization of values linked to extreme competitiveness. Furthermore, significant differences between digital platforms are evident, particularly in the discursive strategies used to attract young Peruvian audiences. The study underscores the need to strengthen media literacy through interdisciplinary strategies and to promote greater ethical reflection among content creators.

Instituciones: Universidad de Piura