Attitudes towards Different Influencer Categories – Exploration of Generation Z

Abstract

The issue of intersection of digital media and acquisition of forms of public awareness is still relatively new. This research study identifies cognitive aspects of subjective perception of different categories of influencers operating in the online environment. The aim is a more detailed explanation of the psychosemantic structure of the perception of selected domestic influencers in relation to the self-respondents and the brand, as this is where the promotional aspect of the researched topic is revealed. Theoretical starting points of the study accentuate the knowledge based on endorsement models of using celebrities in marketing communication, as well as on the concept of social psychology and persuasion. The elementary definition of the concept of influencers lies in the etymological analysis, which we supplement with the analysis of currently established scientific-professional approaches to the categorisation of influencers and also draw attention to a critical explanation of terms related to influencer marketing, such as opinion leader, brand ambassador, as well as the influencer itself. To identify social representation of celebrities and marketing communication in the semantic space of generation Z we applied a psychosemantic method of Semantic Choice Test. The results indicate a markedly positive self-concept of the studied cohort of Generation Z and its focus on professional application represented by the semantic proximity of two influencers (Sajfa and LucyPug). At the same time, significant distrust of politicians and political communication and a critical approach to the aggressive communication of political entities were identified.