Key facts
- Healthcare professional roles are now the top career choice for young adults, slightly ahead of influencers.
- A survey by PacSun and GlobalData polled over 6,000 US teens and young adults aged 11 to 24.
- In 2026, interest in influencer careers declined to 18.8%, while healthcare careers rose to 19%.
- Last year's survey showed influencer careers as the top choice at 22.2%, with medical careers at 19.4%.
- Concerns about the creator economy's competitiveness, monetization challenges, and the impact of AI are contributing to the decline in influencer interest.
- Social media platforms face scrutiny over child safety and teen addiction, potentially impacting their appeal.
- Interest in other job categories like art, fashion, tech, and entrepreneurship also saw a decline.
A recent survey indicates a shift in career aspirations among young Americans, with healthcare roles now slightly more popular than becoming an influencer. The survey, conducted by clothing brand PacSun and analytics company GlobalData, polled over 6,000 US teens and young adults aged 11 to 24.
Last year, the influencer career was the top choice in PacSun's survey, with 22.2% of respondents interested, while medical careers came in second at 19.4%. In the latest survey, interest in influencer careers declined to 18.8%, while healthcare careers edged slightly ahead at 19%.
This shift may be influenced by growing concerns about the creator economy. Factors such as increased competition, challenges in qualifying for monetization programs on platforms like YouTube, and the looming threat of AI are making the influencer path less appealing. Additionally, social media platforms are facing negative perceptions due to lawsuits concerning child safety and teen addiction, with a 2025 Pew Research Center study finding that 48% of teens believe social media has a mostly negative effect on their age group.
The survey also revealed a broader decline in interest across various job categories, including art, fashion, skilled trades, tech, and entrepreneurship. The only category that saw an uptick was 'Not sure yet,' suggesting a general uncertainty about future career paths among young adults.