Struggling teenagers in the UK turn to social media personalities for examination triumphs advice
A growing number of stressed UK teenagers are turning to online study influencers for help with exam preparation, according to recent observations[1]. These influencers, such as Tilly Taylor and Ishaan Bhimjiyani, offer practical study strategies, motivation, and shared experiences that make students feel understood and less isolated.
One of the most popular influencers, Waqar Malik, a former teacher, runs a YouTube channel where he claims to predict exam questions for British teenagers. Malik, who posts videos on TikTok and YouTube, has gained significant popularity among stressed students[1]. However, predicting exam questions online is "really tricky," according to Sarah Brownsword, an assistant professor in education at the University of East Anglia[2].
Tilly Taylor, a university student, posts candid revision advice on TikTok to 100,000 followers. She admitted that no one explained "how do you actually revise" to her during her school years, so she turned to YouTube for ideas[2]. Taylor has also ventured into promotion, recently promoting student accommodation.
Ishaan Bhimjiyani, with over 400,000 TikTok followers, promotes a site offering an English predicted paper for £1.99 ($2.70) with a "history of 60-70% accuracy." Bhimjiyani earned £5,000 with his first paid promotion video[2].
The popularity of these online study influencers has raised concerns among educators and examiners. British pupils are overloaded with content to cover and revise in every subject, leading them to seek help from any source[1]. Some educators, like Sarah Brownsword, are concerned that pupils are relying too much on online advice like Malik's, which may affect their independent learning skills and critical evaluation of information[2].
Research focused on UK-based AI in education micro-influencers — a subset of study influencers — reveals their complex role. These influencers balance between promoting educational tools and maintaining credibility, sometimes acting as intermediaries between educators, edtech companies, and students[2]. They advocate for ethical and transparent use of educational technology, indicating an awareness of the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on online advice[2].
In an interview, Jen, the creator and former teacher, who posts as Primrose Kitten and charges £4.99 for an English predicted paper, including a video on phrasing to score top marks, also acknowledged the need for students to maintain their critical thinking[2]. Jen, who runs an educational influencer agency, Tap Lab, representing over 100 bloggers in their mid-teens to mid-20s, declined to give her surname[2].
From a university outreach perspective, platforms like TikTok are increasingly used to connect with students through informal, relatable content which reinforces the influence of social media figures in shaping attitudes towards study and learning environments[4].
After British pupils sat their exams in May, some complained that Malik's predictions were wrong[1]. Despite this, the influence of online study influencers continues to grow, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to learning. While these influencers provide valuable motivational and strategic support to British students, there is a growing dialogue about ensuring students maintain critical thinking and do not become overly dependent on such sources to the detriment of their autonomous learning and academic confidence[1][2][3].
References:
[1] Bilton, J. (2021). Teenagers are turning to online influencers for exam help. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/may/18/teenagers-are-turning-to-online-influencers-for-exam-help
[2] Jones, A. (2021). The rise of educational influencers on TikTok. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-56618351
[3] McLellan, J. (2021). Scottish students warned about online exam prediction videos. The Scotsman. Retrieved from https://www.scotsman.com/news/education/schools/scottish-students-warned-about-online-exam-prediction-videos-3748248
[4] Thompson, R. (2021). TikTok influencers are helping students revise for their exams. The Independent. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/tiktok-educational-influencers-exam-revision-a9617726.html
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