At the end of every year, many decide to make New Year’s resolutions, providing people with a fresh start and an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.
With social media increasingly integrated into many people’s lives, one effect has been the pressure surrounding these resolutions. Many people’s feeds throughout all of January are filled with posts about vision boards, goals, and new habits.
“Every year, I create a vision board on Pinterest to see my goals visually. It really helps with organization, productivity, and health. I love Pinterest because it gives me structure and ideas to build off of for my own goals,” said Natalia Manzanares, psychologist and girls JV soccer coach at Carlmont.
Manzanares’ experience with social media and resolutions reflects a positive outlook. She views other people’s posts that hope to inspire others with what they want to accomplish.
“I love going to the gym Monday through Friday, meal prepping for food throughout the week, and having a Sunday reset. It’s going very well, and I love my new routine,” Manzanares said.
However, not everyone has a positive experience.
“I definitely feel pressured because I’ll see videos of people at the gym and eating healthy. Seeing those successful people while I am eating junk food at home can make me feel insecure about myself,” said Kylie Gallagher, a sophomore at Carlmont.
Gallagher isn’t the only one who feels this way. According to Chain Drug Review, four in five Gen Z women feel societal pressures regarding their New Year’s resolutions.
