The pressure to do it all

Youth under speed and stress

Modern society is changing rapidly, and these changes are not limited to technology or the economy. They profoundly affect daily life, ways of thinking, and emotional well-being. Young people, in particular, bear the heavy burden of a “I must do it all” culture in both social and professional spheres. This culture measures individuals not only by physical achievements but also by emotional and social performance. Every social status, every success, every shared photo becomes part of a “rating system,” forcing young people into constant comparison.

Social media is one of the main drivers of this pressure. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok expose young people to curated images of idealized lives, showcasing success and happiness. These comparisons generate inner anxiety, prompting individuals to constantly limit themselves in pursuit of success and social acceptance. The result is a continuous performance not only for social media but also in real life, leading to emotional burnout and exhaustion.

Moreover, the constant flow of information and the omnipresence of technology trigger a continuous state of alert in the brain. The “always-on” culture (being ready to respond or work at any moment) reduces opportunities for rest and rejuvenation. This affects both physical and mental health. Contemporary psychologists note that such sustained pressure increases the risk of depression, anxiety, attention disorders, and emotional fatigue. Individuals simultaneously consume idealized images on social media while being forced to measure their own lives against these standards, resulting in profound psychological exhaustion (Twenge, 2019).

The so-called “tired generation” is also shaped by structural social changes and economic challenges. High productivity expectations in workplaces, an uncertain labor market, ongoing education costs, and social pressures to maintain certain standards all add to young people’s stress. This is not merely an individual issue but also a challenge to social cohesion and economic resilience. Young people feel drained both personally and collectively, which over time diminishes creative potential and weakens social bonds.

Thus, the concept of a “tired generation” reflects not only psychological fatigue but also a complex phenomenon where social, economic, and technological factors intersect to shape youth experiences. Understanding this phenomenon (and finding ways to address it) requires analysis not only at an individual level but also across society as a whole.

Modern young people are measured not only by their own ambitions but also by the expectations set by their environment, social media, and society at large. Continuous comparisons regarding success, appearance, and quality of life have become an ordinary part of daily life. Images of “ideal lives” shared on social media create internal pressure, pushing young people to work harder, achieve more, and gain social recognition.

This comparison extends far beyond social media. Schools, universities, and workplaces all subject young people to constant evaluation. Grades, certificates, projects, and professional achievements act as units of measurement. As a result, individuals lose touch with their intrinsic motivations, judging success primarily in relation to others. This dynamic contributes to both psychological and social fatigue (Twenge, 2019).

Psychologists note that this culture of comparison weakens the ability to self-evaluate. Individuals feel valued only through others’ eyes, while their own desires and interests are relegated to the background. Social pressure also manifests in relationships: friendships and personal connections are measured in terms of achievement and status, with genuine intimacy taking a back seat. This intensifies emotional exhaustion, as individuals constantly monitor how they are perceived by others.

Intergenerational comparisons further amplify this pressure. Modern youth face the success standards of their parents and elders while simultaneously adapting to the fast-paced changes of their own era. This creates both internal conflict and heightened social stress. Young people often feel dissatisfied and fatigued when they perceive themselves as insufficiently productive or successful.

Economic and technological factors intensify this culture of comparison. Competition in the job market, education costs, and ever-evolving social media standards increase the emotional burden on young people. They live under continuous pressure in both real and virtual spaces. In such an environment, fatigue, stress, and psychological strain are inevitable. Consequently, social pressure and the culture of comparison affect not only individual psychology but also the broader structure of society, emerging as one of the key drivers behind the “tired generation” phenomenon.

The clearest manifestation of the so-called “tired generation” is psychological fatigue. Young people are not only physically active but are also living under constant emotional and intellectual pressure. Social media, work and educational environments, family expectations, and societal norms continuously test individual psychological boundaries. As a result, issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional burnout, and attention disorders are increasingly common. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), psychological stress and emotional exhaustion among 18-29-year-olds have risen significantly over the past decade.

The stress faced by modern youth differs from traditional notions of tiredness. Individuals do not experience only physical fatigue; they also endure what psychologists call “performance fatigue.” Constantly measuring themselves against success, achievement, and social approval, young people strive to appear “ideal” in the eyes of others. This ongoing evaluation keeps the brain’s stress system active, raising cortisol levels over time and posing risks to both mental and physical health.

Emotional burnout is particularly evident in educational and professional settings. Young people face relentless productivity expectations, striving to achieve more academically and professionally. This undermines intrinsic motivation and diminishes overall quality of life. Psychologists note that burnout affects not only performance but also social relationships and personal decision-making (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).

Together, these factors threaten both physical and mental well-being. Rising rates of psychological fatigue, depression, and internal stress are not merely individual issues, they weaken society’s future potential. Creativity, work performance, social connections, and overall life satisfaction are directly impacted. Psychological exhaustion thus lies at the heart of the “tired generation” phenomenon, and its thorough examination is necessary on both personal and collective levels.

It is also crucial to recognize that the “tired generation” extends beyond individual psychological challenges. This phenomenon reflects broader social and economic structures. In the modern world, young people are compelled to live not only according to their own desires and abilities but also under the pressures imposed by economic and social systems. High competition in the labor market, uncertain future prospects, and continuous performance expectations amplify the emotional and physical burden on youth.

Economically, young people face rising living costs, high tuition fees, and soaring housing prices. To succeed in the job market, they must commit to long working hours, additional courses, and continuous professional development programs. This leaves little time for personal life, family, and social relationships. As a result, economic pressures do more than create financial challenges, they intensify psychological and social fatigue.

The social structure of society further reinforces the tired generation phenomenon. Standards of work, education, and social status turn self-evaluation into constant external assessment. Individuals focus on appearing successful and productive in the eyes of others, while authenticity and personal satisfaction take a back seat. This creates pressure within social relationships and constrains individual potential.

Consumer culture also shapes the tired generation. Modern society encourages young people not only to work but also to consume more. Advertising, social media, and popular culture push them to meet contemporary life standards. This further strains both financial and emotional resources. Young people feel exhausted not only from living but from striving to conform to societal expectations.

Together, these factors demonstrate that the “tired generation” is not merely an individual problem but a complex phenomenon created by social and economic systems. Continuous pressure weakens social cohesion and economic resilience. Reduced creative potential, declining work performance, and weakened social connections have long-term negative effects on both individuals and society. From this perspective, the phenomenon is deeply tied to social and economic conditions, not just psychological stress.

Addressing the tired generation requires solutions as well as analysis. At an individual level, maintaining psychological and emotional balance is essential. Young people can combat stress and fatigue through various methods, including breathing exercises and meditation, physical activity, dedicating time to hobbies, and strengthening social connections. These strategies not only reduce stress but also enhance internal motivation and creative potential (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).

Balanced use of technology and social media is an essential strategy for young people. Setting designated offline periods and limiting news and social media consumption can reduce emotional fatigue while boosting personal productivity. The concept of a “digital detox” is now incorporated into psychological health programs in many countries, with evidence showing significant improvements in emotional stability among youth (OECD, 2023).

At a collective level, societal and workplace structural changes are needed. Flexible working hours, remote work opportunities, and access to educational and social support programs can help reduce stress. In schools and universities, establishing psychological support centers and implementing programs aimed at safeguarding students’ emotional well-being is critical. Such measures protect not only individual health but also the creative and productive potential of society as a whole.

Long-term strategies also require cultural and social shifts. Reassessing concepts of success and productivity, and prioritizing personal satisfaction and authenticity in social values, can alleviate emotional burdens on young people. Reducing the influence of social media and valuing real-life experiences is vital to curbing the habit of constant comparison.

In conclusion, addressing the “tired generation” phenomenon requires interventions not only at the individual level but also within societal structures, social norms, and economic systems. When personal strategies are combined with collective support mechanisms, young people can maintain emotional and social balance, leading to healthier, more productive lives. This approach is essential not only for individuals but also for the future resilience and well-being of society.

Nigar Shahverdiyeva