Child Development Program Students' Perceptions of Kidfluencers: A Metaphorical Study on Phenomenon Children Çocuk Gelişimi Programı Öğrencilerinin Kidfluencer Algıları: Fenomen Çocuklar Üzerine Metaforik Bir Araştırma
Milli Egitim, vol.55, no.251, pp.1371-1404, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 55 Issue: 251
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.37669/milliegitim.1674447
- Journal Name: Milli Egitim
- Journal Indexes: Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Page Numbers: pp.1371-1404
- Keywords: child development, fenomen çocuklar, kidfluencer, kidfluencer, metafor, metaphor, phenomenon kids, çocuk gelişimi
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- Kayseri University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study aims to explore the perceptions of Child Development Program students, pursuing a degree in child development and education, toward kidfluencers—commonly referred to as "phenomenon children" in Turkey—through the use of metaphors. The research was conducted with 112 students enrolled in the Child Development Program at Kayseri University Develi Hüseyin Şahin Vocational School, all of whom volunteered to participate. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form and analyzed using the content analysis method within the framework of qualitative research design. The MAXQDA 2020 software was employed for data analysis. The metaphors and their justifications related to the concept of phenomenon children were coded, leading to the identification of eight categories: Developmental Risk, Lack of Willpower, Malleability, Temporariness, Economic Gain, Power of Influence and Dependency, Social Learning, and Being the Center of Attention. Analysis of the 75 valid metaphors revealed a predominance of negative perceptions among participants regarding kidfluencers.