Empowerment or Exposure? A Therapist’s Take on Social Media Influence.

By Dr. Gregory Lyons, PsyD, LCPC.
7/26/2025.

In a world where attention is currency, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become stages for millions—especially young people—looking to express themselves, build a following, or simply feel seen.

You’ve likely noticed the trend: choreographed dances, aesthetic outfit changes, bikini try-ons, fitness reveals—all framed by a confident smile and clever captions. For some, it can be seen as a form of genuine self-expression. For others, it can be a highly strategic performance. Either way, this wave of visual empowerment raises complex emotional and psychological questions.

As a therapist, I see both sides.

A New Kind of Power?

Many people are reclaiming their bodies and their narratives. What was once judged or hidden is now filmed, filtered, and shared proudly. For the first time, many individuals can define their beauty, set their terms, and control their image.

There is undeniable strength in that. There is also undeniable vulnerability.

But at What Cost?

The dopamine hits of likes, shares, and new followers can feel validating—sometimes even healing. But they can also become a substitute for internal self-worth. The more attention a post gets, the greater the pressure to maintain a curated persona. Over time, this can create a quiet erosion of boundaries:

• The line between authenticity and performance blurs.

• Validation becomes external rather than internal.

• Empowerment begins to depend on algorithms, not agency.

And when the spotlight dims—or criticism comes—it can feel like a collapse of self, not just a dip in engagement.

The Mental Health Implications.

Social media does not cause low self-esteem. But it does amplify insecurities, especially in younger users who are still forming their identity. I’ve spoken with clients who describe feeling unseen unless they’re “posting something hot.” Others share that they no longer feel comfortable offline, out of makeup, or out of frame. Some struggle with comparison fatigue, where everyone else seems more confident, more beautiful, more in control.

Behind the confidence we scroll past, there is often a quiet anxiety:

 "Am I enough without the camera?"

Compassion Over Judgment.

This isn’t a post about shaming influencers. It’s about caring for the human behind the screen. Every person deserves to explore their identity, their sexuality, and their confidence. But they also deserve support in building self-worth that isn’t contingent on a trending sound or viral comment section.

Let’s hold space for both empowerment and inquiry.

 Ask yourself or the person in your life:

• What am I expressing—and why?

• How do I feel before I post? And after?

• Am I choosing this… or chasing something?

The Illusion of Income: Is It Really Worth It?

We often equate visibility with wealth—but in the world of social media, that’s a dangerous assumption. Many young people step into the influencer space hoping for financial freedom, brand deals, or even a career. And while a few make it, the majority don’t earn enough to justify the time, vulnerability, and pressure involved.

Let’s break it down.

Average Earnings (and Real Costs).

Most creators fall into the nano (1K–10K) or micro (10K–100K) follower range. Here's what the data tells us:

• TikTok Creator Fund:
    Roughly $0.02–$0.04 per 1,000 views — that’s $20–$40 for a million views.

• Instagram Sponsored Posts (micro-level): Roughly $100–$500 per post, depending on engagement rates.

At first glance, that might seem promising. But compare that to the costs:

• Hours spent daily on planning, filming, editing, and engaging.

• Out-of-pocket expenses: makeup, outfits, ring lights, software.

• Mental toll of the individual posting their content.

• Maintenance, trolling, and algorithm changes.

In short: many influencers spend more than they earn—and the platform profits more than anyone.

“It’s a full-time job, but the pay is barely part-time.”
— Anonymous creator, age 23.

The Emotional Labor Behind the Content.

Beyond the numbers is a less visible cost: emotional exhaustion.

• The need to stay relevant leads to constant self-surveillance.

• Every post becomes a performance, even if the content is "authentic."

• Boundaries erode. Identity and income get intertwined.

Creators may begin with joy or empowerment, but over time, many report symptoms of burnout, body image distress, and anxiety around growth metrics.

The high of going viral can be quickly followed by the crash of not replicating success.

The platform rewards presence—but offers no protection.

 A Therapist’s Caution.

Empowerment is valuable—but when it’s attached to financial instability, relentless public exposure, and emotional fatigue, we need to ask if it’s sustainable.

Some people feel uplifted by their online presence. Others feel used by the very system that promised them power.

 Ask yourself or your clients:

•  Is this creative work—or survival?

• Is the stage still yours—or has it become a trap?

Final Thought.

Visibility can be powerful, but real power lies in knowing that your worth is never up for public review.

The stage is yours—but you don’t have to perform to belong.