As we open up 2026, students’ explore pages are filled with unrealistic expectations they feel motivated to meet. On platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, social media feeds flood with early-morning gym sessions, affirmations and goals, and dramatic transformation videos that set the tone for what the new year is supposed to look like. Yes, this does create a wave of inspiring motivation – however, it creates pressure to change everything all at once.

The phrase “New Year, New Me” has been a never ending trend. TikTok pages are filled with “day one” workout videos and productivity routines, while Instagram feeds display before-and-after photos and aesthetic lifestyle posts. These trends target an unmotivated and unfulfilled audience in order to motivate them by showing what can be done. However, most of the time they only show the highlights – not the setbacks, the stress it can cause, and the slow progress behind the scenes.

“It feels like everyone suddenly becomes perfect, they do all these new things like they have completely rebranded themselves and you feel behind when you’re not putting the same effort,” said Antonio Trejos, senior.

These posts make teens feel like they need to change themselves to fit a certain image. It makes people feel insecure because they don’t look like that influencer they follow. Comparisons are being made and teens measure their progress against others’ online, even though those posts rarely show the full picture. When they feel like they aren’t doing enough, it impacts their mental health negatively. 

“I’m seeing a lot of people on my feed with a bunch of crazy progress that I can’t seem to keep up with as fast,” said Alex Hamilton, senior.

The constant exposure teens are faced with can create unrealistic expectations about how quickly change should occur, wanting things to happen at an instant – but it’s different for everyone. Progress does not equal perfection. Everyone has their own pace, and setbacks are normal, so no matter how long it takes or what happens, you just have to keep pushing forward day-by-day with whatever goals you set in place.

Although social media can be a source of inspiration, it also creates unrealistic expectations that teens struggle to keep up with. Personal growth shouldn’t feel like a competition, but rather a journey with oneself.