As a clinical psychologist and, more importantly, a mother, I find myself grappling with a growing concern: the pervasive influence of YouTube on our children.

My 9-year-old son’s eyes light up when MrBeast gives away millions or orchestrates elaborate challenges with seemingly effortless ease. As much as I appreciate the creativity and entertainment value, I can’t ignore the subtle lessons being imprinted on young, impressionable minds.

In my therapy practice, a recurring theme among young people is the dream of becoming a YouTuber. For many, it’s no longer an aspiration to be a teacher, doctor, or engineer—the allure of instant fame and fortune has eclipsed those dreams. A recent Harris Poll reported that 29% of British kids aspire to be YouTubers when they grow up. Compare that to the 11% who want to be astronauts, and you begin to see the shift in aspirations. But what does this mean for the mental and emotional well-being of the next generation?

‍

The Rise of the YouTuber Dream

The modern YouTube star, exemplified by personalities like MrBeast, represents more than entertainment; they embody the modern British Dream. With enough charisma, the right thumbnail, and viral-worthy content, anyone can “make it big.” For young viewers, this dream feels tantalisingly within reach. Yet, the reality behind these success stories is far more complex.

Many successful YouTubers work tirelessly behind the scenes, often sacrificing personal relationships, mental health, and financial stability in the process. What we see is the final, polished product. What our children see is a lifestyle where money flows freely, and success seems instantaneous. This illusion fosters a dangerous belief: that life’s rewards come easy, and competition—even at the expense of others—is the ultimate path to success.

‍

The Hidden Cost of Instant Gratification

Shows like Little House on the Prairie taught us values that seem quaint today: hard work, resilience, patience, and community. Watching those stories unfold required an emotional investment. In contrast, YouTube thrives on instant gratification. The platform’s algorithm favours quick hits of dopamine: fast-paced editing, surprising reveals, and non-stop engagement.

Children who consume this type of content regularly may struggle with attention spans, delayed gratification, and realistic expectations for their own lives. In the therapy room, I see young people expressing frustration that success doesn’t come as quickly or as easily as it does for their favourite YouTube stars. They’re left feeling inadequate, anxious, or demotivated.

‍

The Competitive Mindset: Winning at All Costs

Another concerning trend is the emphasis on competition and “winner-takes-all” narratives. Challenges and giveaways dominate popular YouTube content, often celebrating one winner while hundreds of others leave empty-handed. The message is clear: success is a zero-sum game. Instead of fostering collaboration, empathy, or perseverance, these stories can perpetuate a cutthroat mentality.

In our increasingly interconnected world, this mindset may hinder young people’s ability to build meaningful relationships or work effectively in teams. Instead of seeing value in collective achievement, they may prioritise personal gain above all else.

‍

How Do We Navigate This New World?

The reality is, YouTube and other social media platforms aren’t going anywhere. They’re woven into the fabric of modern childhood. Rather than shielding our children completely, we must equip them with tools to navigate these influences critically and thoughtfully.

1. Model Media Literacy: Teach children to question what they see. Discuss the work that goes into creating YouTube videos and the sacrifices often required for success. Highlight that what they see is entertainment, not a blueprint for life.
2. Foster Realistic Goals: Encourage aspirations grounded in passion and effort, rather than fame and fortune. Help children identify their strengths and explore diverse career paths beyond the allure of social media.
3. Balance Screen Time: Introduce shows, books, and activities that instil values like patience, resilience, and collaboration. Revisiting classics like Little House on the Prairie can provide a welcome antidote to the rapid-fire nature of YouTube.
4. Encourage Emotional Resilience: Discuss failure as a stepping stone to growth, not a reason to quit. Share stories of real-life role models who achieved success through perseverance and incremental progress.
5. Open Conversations: Engage in ongoing dialogues about what your child is watching and how it makes them feel. Create a safe space where they can express their dreams, fears, and frustrations.

‍

A Call for Balance

While I yearn for the simplicity of the past, I also recognise the opportunities this digital age offers. Platforms like YouTube can inspire creativity, connect communities, and amplify important voices. But without guidance, they can also distort values and set unrealistic expectations.

As parents, educators, and mental health professionals, our role is not to condemn the world our children live in but to help them navigate it wisely. By fostering critical thinking, emotional resilience, and balanced aspirations, we can ensure that our children grow up with a healthy understanding of success, failure, and the effort it takes to achieve their dreams.

And maybe, just maybe, we can bring a little of that Little House on the Prairie spirit back into their lives.

Dr Diana Goldsmith Mother and Child Clinical Psychologist