Young People Seem Older Today
- Millie Bobby Brown recently addressed online comments suggesting she looks older than her age.
- Videos with titles like, "Come and let me botoxes," and "How to build an anti-aging skin routine" garner millions of views, frequently enough targeting young adults in their...
- Social networks significantly influence self-perception and shape Generation Z, according to Daniel Süss, professor of media socialization at the University of Zurich and the Zurich University of applied...
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Millie Bobby Brown recently addressed online comments suggesting she looks older than her age. Brown, 21, is not alone, as many young people face similar scrutiny.The trend highlights growing anxieties about aging, especially among generation Z.
I refuse to apologize for my growing up,says Millie Bobby Brown, 21.
Videos with titles like, “Come and let me botoxes,” and “How to build an anti-aging skin routine” garner millions of views, frequently enough targeting young adults in their twenties, not older demographics.
Social networks significantly influence self-perception and shape Generation Z, according to Daniel Süss, professor of media socialization at the University of Zurich and the Zurich University of applied Sciences. What was once discussed privately is now broadcast online, fostering constant comparison and intensifying anxieties about appearance.
Fitness influencer Riley Cat sparked debate with a TikTok video asking, “how old do I look?” The clip received over 16 million views, with estimates ranging from late 20s to early 40s. Cat later revealed she is 24, shocking many viewers. One commenter wrote, “I’m 32 and you look like you could be my mother.”
Süss notes that social media’s emphasis on perfection can make individuals hyper-aware of perceived flaws, driving a desire for immediate remedies. He adds that advertising for fashion and cosmetics further reinforces these ideals.
Baby botox on the Rise
Cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, are paradoxically contributing to the phenomenon of young people appearing older, some experts suggest.
Botox injections, which reduce muscle activity to prevent wrinkles, are gaining popularity among younger individuals. “Baby Botox” aims to preemptively address wrinkles before they form.
Data from the German Society for Aesthetic-plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) indicates that social media is increasing the desire for cosmetic procedures. In 2024, over 20% of those under 30 reported that social networks fueled their desire for personal change, compared to 9% in 2021. Botox injections among this age group accounted for 7.1% of all treatments in 2024, ranking fifth in popularity behind procedures like breast augmentation.
Florian Sandweg, a plastic surgeon and DGÄPC board member, reports that patients frequently enough reference results seen on TikTok or Instagram. Though, he notes that he has not encountered young people who feel they look older than they are as of Botox, unless too much is injected. “If I take all facial expressions to someone, I can imagine that the person looks older, simply becuase the face is less animated,” says Sandweg.
Body Neutrality Movement Gains Traction
While social media often celebrates flawless skin and makeup, a counter-movement promoting body neutrality is emerging. This movement encourages individuals to shift focus from external appearance to appreciating their body’s capabilities.
Süss observes a growing trend toward naturalness and authenticity, with young people questioning whether to participate in beauty trends. “In the course of the biography, the relationship to your own age changes,” he says, suggesting that Generation Z may eventually overcome societal pressures.
Millie bobby Brown’s stance against online criticism reflects this shift.”I will not let myself be shaped by how I look, how I dress or how I present myself,” Brown stated in a video. The author of the “Daily Mail” contribution reacted to this: In a Tikok video she apologized to Brown.
Gen Z and Aging: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Why are young people like Millie Bobby Brown facing criticism about their appearance, and what’s driving this trend?
A: The provided article highlights a growing trend of young people, specifically Generation Z, facing scrutiny over their appearance, ofen linked too perceptions of “looking older.” This is illustrated by the experiences of millie Bobby Brown, who addressed online comments about her age. The article suggests that this trend is fueled by increased anxieties about aging, and external factors, such as social media as well as a shift in cosmetic trends. Looking at the initial lines of the sourced article, Millie Bobby Brown, 21, faced criticism around the perception of her age.The article suggests these young adults are not the only ones dealing with this. The article also notes that this trend highlights growing anxieties about aging, specifically among Generation Z.
Q: How does social media play a role in these anxieties about appearance and aging?
A: According to Daniel Süss, professor of media socialization, social networks considerably influence our self-perception, especially for Generation Z. Social media fosters constant comparison and intensifies anxieties about appearance. what was once private is now public, leading to heightened self-consciousness and pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. The article notes that the emphasis on perfection can make individuals hyper-aware of perceived flaws, driving a desire for immediate remedies. The article also notes specific instances, such as a video by fitness influencer Riley Cat which prompted debate, leading to users estimating her to be in her late 20s to early 40s.
Q: What is “Baby Botox,” and why is it becoming popular among younger individuals?
A: The article discusses the increasing popularity of cosmetic treatments like Botox among younger individuals. “Baby Botox” is a preventative measure to slow down the aging process before the formation of wrinkles, which reduce muscle activity to prevent wrinkles.
Q: Are cosmetic procedures contributing to the perception that young people look older?
A: Data from the German Society for Aesthetic-plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) suggests social media is increasing the desire for cosmetic procedures. In 2024, over 20% of those under 30 reported that social networks fueled their desire for personal change, compared to 9% in 2021.According to Dr. Florian Sandweg, an experienced plastic surgeon, says patients reference results seen on TikTok & Instagram.
Q: What is the body neutrality movement, and how does it relate to these trends?
A: A counter-movement promoting body neutrality is emerging. This movement encourages individuals to shift focus from appearance to appreciating their body’s capabilities. The professor observes a growing trend toward naturalness and authenticity,with young people questioning whether to participate in beauty trends.