Lydia Bach, a 15-year-old sophomore from New York City, highlights the Social Media Impact on teen burnout, urging adults not to underestimate the intense pressures that today’s youth face. She argues that if adults want to understand teen burnout, they need to examine the world through the eyes of today’s youth.
Teens are stressed by factors such as gun violence, global conflict, and the looming threat of climate change. On top of that, they are caught in the relentless “productivity culture,” where the pressure to constantly “be better” and “do better” is overwhelming. For high school students like Bach, their academic performance feels tied to their future economic success, intensifying this burden.
The Journey Toward Burnout
One of the most significant contributors to this pressure is social media. The Social Media Impact on teens is profound, amplifying stress around academics, personal achievements, and appearance. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat constantly display others’ accomplishments, making teens feel as though they must also achieve exceptional things.
Lydia Bach, who manages the social media account for the podcast This Teenage Life, acknowledges that while social media has helped her find communities for her hobbies, it can also make her feel like she’s not doing enough, especially when comparing herself to friends who share their awards or milestones online.
The Social Media Impact is evident in a recent report by Common Sense Media and Harvard’s Center for Digital Thriving, which highlighted how the digital landscape amplifies the pressures teens face. More than a quarter of the 1,545 teens surveyed reported feeling burnout, with social media playing a role in exacerbating these feelings.
The report identifies six common sources of pressure for teens, including the need to secure a successful future, achieve personal milestones, maintain a certain appearance, and sustain an active social life. Social media intensifies these feelings, as the constant barrage of curated success stories and perfect appearances fuels anxiety.
Supporting Teens Through Burnout
Dr. Tori Cordiano, a licensed clinical psychologist, explains that social media plays a complex role in teen burnout. While it provides avenues for connection, it also reinforces the need for constant self-improvement and perfection. The Social Media Impact contributes to teens feeling like they need to perfect every aspect of their lives, from their physical appearance to their personal achievements, creating a vicious cycle of stress and exhaustion.
For parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to understand the role that social media plays in teen burnout. Setting realistic expectations and helping teens set healthy boundaries with their social media use can alleviate some of this pressure.
Also Read: Screen Time Addiction: Managing Kids’ Digital Cravings
Encouraging offline activities, such as spending time in nature or pursuing hobbies that don’t rely on comparison, can be helpful strategies for easing the burden of burnout. Ultimately, addressing the Social Media Impact requires collaborative efforts from both teens and adults to reduce the overwhelming expectations placed on today’s youth.
