UK Teens Turn to Influencers for Exam Success Amid Stress

Teenagers across the UK are increasingly relying on social media influencers for guidance as they prepare for their upcoming exams. Among these influencers is former teacher Waqar Malik, who has gained significant attention for his predictions regarding exam questions. Posing as a fortune teller on his YouTube channel, Malik claims to forecast exam topics for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), which is taken by students at the age of 16.

Malik’s videos, particularly on TikTok and YouTube, feature his insights into classic English literature and have garnered substantial viewership. In one of his popular videos, he stated, “I predicted the entire paper,” referring to last year’s exam. While he acknowledges that his forecasts are merely “educated guesses,” educators are expressing concerns about the potential consequences of students relying heavily on such online advice.

Concerns from Educators and Exam Boards

Educators worry that students may be prioritizing the opinions of social media personalities over their own study efforts. Sarah Brownsword, an assistant professor in education at the University of East Anglia, highlighted the appeal of Malik’s predictions, stating, “If you are a 15- or 16-year-old doing your GCSEs and you’ve got somebody in your phone telling you ‘this is what the English exam is going to be about,’ that is so appealing.”

With GCSE results set to be released on August 21, 2023, the AQA, one of the UK’s leading exam boards, has voiced concerns over the “increasing reliance on certain online revision channels.” The board emphasized that they are looking for students’ personal interpretations of the texts they have studied rather than relying on “some stranger’s views on social media.”

After the May exams, some students expressed disappointment with Malik’s predictions. Comments on social media reflected frustration, with one user declaring, “Never listening to you again bro,” while others lamented their performance, stating they might end up working in fast food.

Students Seek Help Amid Overwhelming Pressure

The pressures faced by students today are significant. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for the school leaders’ union NAHT, stated that the sheer volume of content students must cover can be overwhelming. “It is unsurprising that young people are looking for anything to help them cope,” she noted.

Malik’s prediction videos have amassed over 290,000 views on YouTube, highlighting the demand for alternative study resources. Although he did not respond to requests for comment, his influence is evident in the growing popularity of similar educational content creators.

While some influencers, like Tilly Taylor, a university student with a following of 100,000 on TikTok, assert that their videos are meant to provide predictions based on past papers and examiners’ reports, the line between guidance and misinformation can easily blur. Taylor emphasized, “I make it very clear in my videos that these are predictions,” aiming to provide helpful advice without misleading her audience.

Others in the educational influencer space have different perspectives. Ishaan Bhimjiyani, who has over 400,000 followers, noted that promoting predicted papers can be acceptable as long as they are not presented as guaranteed outcomes. He recently advertised a predicted English paper for £1.99 (approximately $2.70), which he claimed has a “history of 60-70 percent accuracy.”

Former teacher Jen, known as Primrose Kitten, markets predicted papers on her site, charging £4.99. She sees these resources as a way for students to assess their preparedness for exams. Bhimjiyani, who began sharing his revision journey on TikTok at the age of 16, has since established an educational influencer agency, Tap Lab, which supports over 100 bloggers.

The motivations behind these creators often stem from personal experiences. Taylor mentioned that during her school years, no one taught her how to effectively revise. Turning to platforms like YouTube, she aimed to provide guidance for those who may not have access to private education or tutoring.

The intersection of education and social media continues to evolve, with influencers playing an increasingly prominent role in shaping how students prepare for exams. As educators emphasize the importance of independent study and critical thinking, it remains to be seen how this trend will impact the future of learning in the UK.