How Social Media Scrolling Is Making Us Miserable?

In today’s hyper-connected world, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become essential parts of teenage life—offering humor, entertainment, and instant connection. But beneath the surface lies a growing concern: the emotional toll of endless scrolling. Ninth-grader Veronika Hunt of Trinity School in Manhattan sheds light on how social media is distorting self-worth, academic pressure, and identity.

While students love quoting viral videos and sharing memes, many admit that choosing between studying and social media has become a daily struggle. At elite schools, academic stress is intense. Students chase perfect grades, skip meals to study, and overcommit to extracurriculars—all while sacrificing sleep and personal well-being.

The problem is compounded by social media’s curated perfection. Teenagers no longer just compare grades; they compare entire lives to the filtered achievements and glamour of peers and influencers. This constant comparison leads to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. “My accomplishments feel small, my stress feels invalid, and my life feels lacking,” Hunt notes.

The pressure to perform online and offline has turned high school into a performance stage. Burnout is normalized, and validation often depends on college acceptance letters or likes on a post. Mental health conversations are rising, but many teens feel their struggles are dismissed unless extreme.

Hunt writes, “We are more connected than ever—yet many of us have never felt more alone.” As students battle to define themselves amid social media noise, the need for real understanding and support has never been greater.