Exploited Teens in Asia: A Critical Review of Lifestyle and Entertainment
2. Drivers Behind the Exploitation
a. Economic Imperatives
- Rapid Growth & Consumer Demand: Asian economies have witnessed double‑digit GDP growth in many regions over the past two decades. Rising disposable incomes fuel a consumer appetite for new music, fashion, and digital content, prompting companies to cut costs by leveraging cheap teen labor or by using teens as unpaid brand ambassadors.
- Gig Economy & Informal Work: The rise of short‑term, platform‑based work (e.g., TikTok content creation, freelance design) blurs the line between hobby and labor, allowing employers to avoid providing benefits or minimum wage protections.
Conclusion
Recommendations
Conclusion