Double-edged Sword: Examining Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions about Teacher Influencers Using Q Method

This study explored pre-service teachers' perceptions of teacher influencers on social media. Using the Q-method, the researchers identified two distinct viewpoints. The first group of pre-service teachers believed that teacher influencers often breach professional ethics by compromising student privacy and promoting a potentially harmful influencer teaching model. They argued against the practice of teacher influencers sharing classroom content on social media. The second group, however, viewed teacher influencers as positive role models who contribute to the profession through innovative practices and increased enthusiasm. They supported the use of social media as a platform for sharing educational experiences. The study suggests that while social media can be a powerful tool for teachers, it is crucial to maintain ethical standards and protect student privacy. Policymakers should consider implementing guidelines to regulate the online behavior of teacher influencers.