The Mental Health of Digital Creators: Behind the Filters and Flashing Lights

It is very easy to get lost in the perfectly built lives of influencers and digital creators whenever we scroll through Instagram or TikTok. It looks like their lives are one big photoshoot- seamless, glamorous, and always “on point”, picture-perfect! But here’s the bitter truth- behind all the perfectly filtered photos and videos that go viral all over the internet, there lies a mental health crisis that’s far from what we would call glamorous.  

It’s time we finally shift our focus to talk about something that is overlooked my many: the mental health struggles faced by digital creators, particularly in India, where the influencer scene is currently booming faster than any viral meme.  

The Rise of Digital Fame: A Double-Edged Sword 

The world is witnessing a digital revolution that has done wonders for social media influencers, completely transforming ordinary individuals into overnight, global superstars. In India, influencers have grown to become names of every household, dominating everything from makeup tutorials to tech reviews and fitness challenges. Even then, what the world often fails to see is the huge price that these creators pay to continue maintaining their digital frame.  

Sure, influencers get to live the “dream” life- getting access to free products, sponsorships, and even exciting collaborations with big brands. But as power grows, the intensity of pressure increases. As and when the demand for authentic content increases, so does the difficulty of staying true to themselves while simultaneously managing to monetize their fame.  

A very recent study brought to light that 80% of Indian influencers prioritize staying authentic and true to their online audience. But have you wondered what happens when the pressure to secure sponsorship deals or generate the desired revenue starts going against the very notion of authenticity? According to the results of the same study, around 75% of influencers feel extremely pressured to accept deals that they are not comfortable with, which requires them to put their authenticity in jeopardy.  

The Life of an Influencer: Glamorous? Maybe. Exhausting? Definitely. 

Behind all the glamour, influencers typically spend 6-8 hours each day developing content, making strategies for posts and staying up to date with the latest trends. This relentless grind does not leave any room for anyone or anything else. It should not come as a surprise to you that 60% of influencers report suffering from anxiety or depression because of constant work demands. They are constantly surviving in fear of becoming irrelevant or losing their followers and being in a world in which every post is scrutinized, the emotional toll is very real.  

Despite the explosive growth happening in the Indian influencer market- a projected 25% growth from 2023-2028, the struggle to turn fame into a sustainable form of income is very real. Data shows that only 30% of influencers can earn a consistent income. This highlights the urgent need for influencers to diversify their income streams, moving beyond just forms of content creation and embracing business skills.  

The Dark Side of Digital Stardom: Burnout and Mental Strain 

Let’s face it- the “dream job” of working as an influencer is not as picture-perfect as it may seem to you. This part of the world is not only about fan donations, collaborations and sponsorships. There is constant pressure to stay relevant. Every day you have the constant need to churn out fresh, engaging content and this can feel like running on a hamster wheel. Moreover, creators are expected to keep up with trends and set them- which can be very exhausting.  

The line between personal and professional can start to become blurry. As an influencer, you may also feel trapped in a constant cycle of self-promotion, with a pressure to maintain an image of perfection.  

When you’re always expected to be available, respond to followers, and keep on creating fresh content, there is no space left for rest or recovery. This eventually leads to both physical and mental exhaustion.  

The Mental Health Crisis: It's Time to Talk 

With the rise in digital creator culture, it only becomes more important to prioritize one’s mental health. The good news here? The entire conversation around influencer mental health has begun to gain momentum. Creators are now opening about the mental strain that they experience, encouraging others to seek support and prioritize self-care.  

The larger question here is, how can creators manage the mental health challenges that come as part of digital fame? Here’s how: 

The Takeaway: Fame Isn't Always What It Seems 

You must have learnt by now that being a digital creator in today’s day and age isn’t all sunshine and followers. Although there is a lot of glam that comes with this fame on social media, the mental health challenges that come with it are undeniable. If you’re a creator yourself, it is very important for you to remember that you are more than your posts, and it is absolutely alright to sometimes take a step back and prioritize your mental well-being.  

For those of us of us who are just spectators- let's not forget the human behind the influencer. Behind every post that you see online, there is always a person navigating the pressures of fame, authenticity, and mental health. Let’s give them support, empathy, and the much-needed space to help them thrive.  

So, next time you see your favorite influencer post another perfectly styled photo, take a moment to think – is it just a filter, or is there something more behind that smile?