In today’s world, it is easier than ever before for people to become famous. With social media apps such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, it seems as If everyone is reaching for their share of fame. However, children should not be exposed to the world that is social media fame and the mental health effects that come with it. By enforcing age limits and restricting mass media production, TikTok and other social media platforms would stop teenagers from becoming social media famous.

Teenagers who become social media stars, such as famous TikTok personality Charli D’Amelio, face a great amount of pressure to be their best selves and consistently turn out content. Stress of these demands can take a toll on their mental health. These teen creators have repeatedly come out and talked about the pressure of being famous while also trying to balance family life and normal teenager life. Charli D’Amelio said, “I’m trying to show people that I’m a person, and I deal with the same things as you guys, and I’m trying to make the best of it.”

Teen social media influencers have many eyes on them. Young impressionable children use TikTok and other social media apps and they look up to the famous influencers, who are then told to not only produce content but also set a good example. These creators did not ask to be put In this position and have to set this example.

Another big part of teenage influencers on social media is drama. This drama is constant between different personalities and it is not healthy. Being apart of constant drama is not good for anyone’s mental health.

Some say that the money influencers make outweighs everything else they do, but studies show that people who are do not have as much money or as much presence are often times happier than those who are rich. Harvard Business Review says, “Researchers found that students who prioritized money ended up less happy…” (“Does More Money Really Makes Us More Happy”).

Teenagers who are social media influencers may have some benefits, but their mental health and that of their viewers may suffer from their fame. Being a social media star is not worth the toll your mental health will take. Policy changes such as enforcing age limits.