MEXICALI — In an era of digital overexposure and high-stakes social expectations, young adults are increasingly falling victim to “burnout” before their careers even truly begin.
Experts from CETYS University in Mexicali warn that a pervasive “achievement society” is pushing the younger generation toward self-exploitation, fueled by the distorted realities of social media and a relentless internal drive to succeed at ever-earlier ages.
The internalized pressure to perform
According to Silvia Beltrán Machuca, a psychologist at the Student Development Center (CEDE) at CETYS University, the modern environment demands constant performance. This external pressure often becomes an internal monologue that equates self-worth with productivity.
“There is a strong pressure to ‘have to be’ and to perform constantly,” Beltrán said. “These external demands have been internalized into a voice that says ‘I can do it.’ Paradoxically, this leads to self-exploitation. When goals aren’t met, it’s perceived as a personal failure of will, especially when compared to others who seemingly succeed.”
The “social media” distortion
The psychological toll is compounded by the curated lives visible on digital platforms. Ivon Guerrero Ceballos, Director of Psychology Programs at CETYS, noted that social media presents idealized versions of success that ignore the nuances of individual resources and timing.
“People see an unreal version of what others achieve at a young age, leading to constant comparisons regarding travel, degrees, or lifestyle,” Guerrero said. “This contrasts with one’s own capabilities, generating frustration and anxiety. Self-actualization is a lifelong process; it is vital to set goals with a realistic vision.”
Signs of a “burned out” generation
The experts identified several critical psychological effects stemming from this culture of performance:
Emotional and Academic Exhaustion: A total depletion of mental energy.Superficial Connections: Prioritizing networking and performance over deep, meaningful personal relationships.Identity Struggles: Difficulty developing a sense of self that isn’t tied to professional or academic achievements.Redefining success
The CETYS specialists emphasized that there is no “universal timeline” for success. They argue that the fear of making mistakes is one of the greatest hurdles for today’s youth. Rather than viewing errors as failures, they should be seen as essential adjustments in building an authentic life project.
To combat burnout, the experts recommend:
Deconstructing “Success”: Recognizing that success is subjective and unique to each individual.Prioritizing Emotional Well-being: Treating mental health as a prerequisite for achievement, not a luxury.Building Solid Support Networks: Maintaining authentic human links and seeking professional counseling when necessary.
Ultimately, the experts concluded that true success is not merely an accumulation of accolades but the ability to build a life congruent with one’s own values and mental health.