Islamabad(The COW News Digital)As soon as you open any social media app, your screen fills with a stream of short videos—each crafted to catch attention within seconds. In today’s digital era, creating online content has transformed into a full-fledged profession. While some individuals pursue it as a full-time career, many others do it part-time. At first glance, the life of a digital creator appears exciting and glamorous, but research suggests a very different reality behind the scenes.
A new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has revealed that individuals who regularly create videos or other content for social media face a significantly higher risk of developing mental health issues. According to the research, the pressures associated with constant content production can lead to anxiety, depression, and severe burnout.
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The study surveyed 500 full-time and part-time digital creators across North America. Among them, a staggering 62 percent reported experiencing burnout—defined as intense exhaustion caused by continuous mental strain. Additionally, 65 percent admitted to being obsessed with achieving better performance for their content, constantly monitoring likes, views, and engagement metrics. Another 69 percent reported suffering from financial insecurity, driven by irregular earnings and competition in the digital space.
Alarmingly, the study also noted that some creators confessed to having thoughts of self-harm due to overwhelming pressure, although they did not act on these thoughts. Researchers say that presenting oneself every day to an unpredictable online audience can be extremely stressful. Digital creators are frequently exposed to negative comments, ridicule, and abusive behavior, which can take a toll on their mental well-being.
Experts point out that the constant need to create new, attention-grabbing content forces creators to work under relentless pressure. This ongoing struggle to stay relevant, combined with public judgment and financial instability, makes them more vulnerable to mental health challenges than the average social media user.
The study underscores the need to recognize content creation as a demanding job that involves emotional labor, creative stress, and public scrutiny. Mental health professionals suggest that creators should adopt healthier routines, including scheduled breaks, limited screen time, and supportive offline relationships to reduce the psychological burden.
As social media continues to expand, understanding the hidden challenges faced by digital creators becomes crucial—not only for their personal well-bei
