76% of Teens Say They're 'Likely' to Start a Business — and Many of Them Cite This Polarizing Reason The next generation is interested in entrepreneurship — but some might question their source of inspiration.
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- Sixteen percent of teens want to become a "social media influencer/content creator."
- Another 13% are interested in owning a service business, such as "plumbing" or "childcare."
More children dream of being professional YouTubers than astronauts, according to a 2019 survey from Lego reported by CNBC Make It.
But not everyone is on board with the increasing popularity — and adoration — of influencers. Earlier this year, the U.S. surgeon general confirmed many parents' fears with a report warning of social media's "profound risk of harm" to adolescents' mental health.
Of course, despite widespread concerns about social media's impact on young minds, it remains a pervasive cultural phenomenon, one with the power to shape the next generation's professional aspirations, too.
Related: How to Raise Entrepreneurial-Minded Kids | Entrepreneur
Seventy-six percent of teens said they'd be likely to consider becoming an entrepreneur — and they cited "social media influencers" and "successful business people" they see in the media as their biggest sources of inspiration, according to a new survey by Junior Achievement USA and Ernst & Young (EY).
Each option was selected by 30% of the survey's 1,003 teen respondents, who range in age from 13 to 17.
"Social media influencers and celebrity culture have a big impact on teens, which could help explain why we are seeing such a high level of interest in entrepreneurship," said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA.
Still, some teens expressed concerns about striking out on their own ventures. Nearly one in three (30%) said starting a business was too risky, roughly a quarter (23%) said there wasn't enough money in it, and a small group (11%) thought it might not align with their personalities or skills, per the report.
And when it comes to what kind of business teens envision in their future? Not surprisingly, 16% are interested in becoming a "social media influencer/content creator." Another 13% are interested in owning a service business, like "plumbing" or "childcare," while 9% could see themselves at the helm of a professional business, like "engineering" or "graphic design."
Related: 4 Pillars for Raising Entrepreneurial Children | Entrepreneur
During National Entrepreneurship Month this November, Junior Achievement USA and EY are providing JA Launch Lesson, an "hour-long educational experience built around the theme of entrepreneurship that creates a point of entry for students, volunteers, and educators" to high schoolers across the U.S.
