Gambling, quick loans and finfluencers

Young people increasingly encounter money topics online such as gambling, quick loans and "buy now, pay later". This happens not only through advertising, but mainly through social media, influencers and platforms that mix these topics with entertainment and lifestyle.

Within that online environment, three mutually reinforcing strands are visible: gambling via influencers and livestreams; quick loans and paying afterwards (such as Klarna and Saldodipje); and finfluencers who promise financial advice and "quick profits". Research and practical experience show that this influence is not without consequences: advice from finfluencers often does not deliver young people any structural profit and can even lead to losses, partly because information is one-sided or comes too late. At the same time, young people in practice run into financial problems through quick loans or paying afterwards.

What the source sees in practice, per strand:

• Online gambling and casino content: livestreams and clips of gambling by influencers; partnerships between gambling companies and content creators; emphasis on winnings, excitement and "big hits"; loss and risk largely remain out of view; gambling is presented as entertainment or a side hustle.
• Quick loans and paying afterwards: services such as Klarna are seen as a standard means of payment; platforms for quick loans (such as Saldodipje) are linked to instant solutions; "buy now, pay later" does not feel like debt; little insight into interest, repayment and consequences; practical stories show that debts can mount quickly.
• Finfluencers and "money content": influencers give tips on crypto, investing and making quick money; promises of financial freedom or passive income; sales of courses, e-books or paid communities; self-interest often plays a role (e.g. via affiliate links or their own investments); advice is often one-sided and risks remain underexposed.

• Visual and fast content shapes the picture
• FOMO (fear of missing out) plays a role
• Influencers are seen as reliable or relatable
• Financial thresholds seem low (one click, pay later, small stake)
• Self-interest often remains hidden (sponsorship, commissions)
• Success stories dominate, while losses or debts are less visible

Signals in online behaviour:

• Many references to gambling, crypto or "betting"
• Use of Klarna or similar payment methods as standard
• Normalisation of quick loans as a solution
• Following and trusting finfluencers
• Talking about "making quick money" or investing without knowledge
• A casual attitude towards debts or payment arrears

This behaviour is often exploratory and influenced by online imagery. The source illustrates it with practical examples: a Reddit plea for a CRUKS-like exclusion system (CRUKS: the Dutch central gambling self-exclusion register) for Klarna/Riverty ("you spend money you don't have", "far too tempting, just like gambling") and a TikTok clip in which a payment arrear with Klarna (bailiff after 5 months of deferral) is presented casually/humorously.

What the professional can do:

• Connect with young people's online world
• Make financial topics open to discussion without judgement
• Explain the difference between online imagery and reality
• Pay attention to debts, risk and long-term consequences
• Combine media literacy and financial awareness
• Work together with school, parents and support services

The focus is on awareness and reflection — not on prohibiting or moralising. Precisely because financial choices are packaged as entertainment, convenience and a chance of success, this lowers the threshold while the risks are less visible. That is why early recognition, making it open to discussion and supporting young people in critically understanding what they see online are important.

In groups
- What do you see online about making quick money or gambling?
- What gets shown more: winning or losing?
- When is something real advice and when is it marketing?
- Why do you think this is made so attractive?

One-to-one
- Which influencers or content about money do you follow?
- What appeals to you about it?
- Have you ever doubted whether something was right?
- What could happen if you follow this a lot?

• TrendSein – Online beeldvorming rond gokken, snel geld lenen en finfluencers (LinkedIn carousel, 7 slides, Trendsein - gokken snel lenen finfluencers.md)