Influencers, over time, have cultivated followings and fame previously associated with entertainers and sports stars. Dr. Andrew Monasterio, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, suggests that the allure of this career might resemble Gen-Z’s modern interpretation of the age-old dream of becoming a rock star!

Additionally, influencers often earn money through product endorsements or services, all while working from the comfort of their own spaces. This digital age presents the influencer path as a seemingly rapid route to wealth.

Role models like Charli D’Amelio, Everleigh Rose Soutas, and Matty B Raps, who are close in age to Gen-Z, have amassed millions of followers and substantial incomes, primarily from sharing their opinions on trends.

Social media platforms, such as TikTok, offer not only entertainment but can also lead to addictive behaviors that research has linked to adverse effects on adolescent mental health.

Titania Jordan, Chief Parent Officer at Bark Technologies, points out that teens immersed in these platforms may experience a heightened desire to emulate the influencers recommended by algorithms. The sense of envy generated by witnessing the mega-popularity of influencers can be enticing for young audiences.

Studies, including a report from Bark Technologies, have highlighted the negative impact of social media on mental health.

Constant scrolling and comparisons to others, who often present a skewed reality, can erode self-esteem and well-being. Engaging in influencing could further amplify these risks.

Becoming an influencer involves significant online exposure, which can lead to issues such as cyberbullying, social comparison, and feelings of inadequacy. Dr. Monasterio emphasizes that the pursuit of influencer status, if not approached with mindfulness, may contribute to mental health challenges.

The pressures of maintaining a public image, handling criticism, and meeting audience expectations can take a toll on one’s well-being, akin to the challenges faced by celebrities—maybe it’s time to educate the Gen-Zers about these risks before they embark on their chosen career path!

According to different studies, the average American family is expected to spend about $848.90 on back-to-school supplies for the upcoming scholar year. This is a significant increase in comparison with previous years, which can seriously affect some people’s budget or savings.

However, there are ways to reduce the expenses for school supplies, and here are five shopping hacks that have passed the test of time.

1. Get Back-to-School Clothes Online

With a little hunting and ingenuity, parents can save a ton of money by shopping online. There are numerous websites that offer special discounts and coupon codes on different types of clothing. In addition, there are several online stores that specialize in back-to-school garments, which means that children can get fashionable items without ruining their parents.

2. Reuse and Recycle

There are plenty of supplies that can be reused from previous years. For example, lunchboxes and backpacks can be put back into the rotation after a good wash. There are also probably lots of notebooks, pens, pencils, and binders that can be used by children of all ages.

3. Don’t Purchase Disposables

Plastic baggies, paper notebooks, and other disposable items may seem like a bargain, but in reality, they often cost more than long-lasting gear. This is due to the fact that they must be replenished periodically. Buying a reusable lunchbox or a digital notebook is a more reasonable investment despite their higher price, and the best part is that they are eco-friendly!

4. Save Money on Big-Ticket Items

Some back-to-school supplies are more expensive than others. Running from store to store to save a dollar on a pack of crayons isn’t a good use of your energy or time. Instead, focus on saving money on larger items such as laptops, tablets, clothes, calculators, lunch containers, etc. Look for sales or go online to find school supplies at a significant discount. It’s such deals that will truly allow you to save money.

5. Look For Second-Hand Extracurricular Gear

Extracurricular activities can require the use of specialized equipment such as hockey or lacrosse sticks, protective gear, musical instruments, etc. Those items can be quite expensive, especially if they are fabricated by a reputable brand. To save money, parents should check places such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to find well-preserved second-hand equipment at fair and reasonable prices.

These five shopping tricks can help parents get the necessary back-to-school supplies for their children without breaking the bank.