Young adulthood can be a wild ride. With technology and social norms constantly shifting, young adults face a unique set of opportunities and challenges. It can be overwhelming to deal with stress, social media pressure, or deciding on a career path.

The rise of digital technology and social media has changed the way young people interact, work, and see themselves. Social media platforms, which first appeared in the early 2000s, have had a significant impact on mental health and self-esteem, while changing career dynamics have created both opportunities and doubts. As traditional career paths become blurred and developing sectors emerge, young adults are under increased pressure to cope with changing dynamics.

Many young adults experience uncertainty and overthinking, particularly during their gap year. An individual is said to have spent nearly a year and a half searching for direction. Feeling lost and without clear guidance or mentors, they took on a teaching job in the hopes of gaining some clarity in life. However, the more they worked, the more they realized their future was uncertain.

Comparing their journey with the experiences of others, who appeared to have found their paths while they were still on their own, only added to the individual’s confusion. Such comparisons, alongside social pressures, which frequently alter reality, aggravate the sense of confusion. Overthinking becomes a constant companion during vulnerable moments.

Despite the challenges, they realized that success is defined by more than just following established guidelines or structured paths. It is also influenced by personal effort and a bit of luck.

Recognizing that these moments of uncertainty are a normal part of the journey let them embrace, rather than despise, the process. This emphasizes that, while the path to clarity may be difficult with doubts and comparisons, it is ultimately shaped by endurance and acceptance of one's individual journey.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is an excellent framework for understanding the motivations and challenges that young adults face. It begins with physiological needs, advances to safety, love and belonging, esteem, and finally becoming oneself.

Young adults frequently experience stress at different levels of this hierarchy. The pressure to start a career can have an impact on their sense of safety and security, whereas social media can have an impact on their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Striving for self-actualization -- realizing one's full potential -- can be especially difficult under these conditions.

Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy can help young adults better prioritize their needs. Addressing needs, for example, and ensuring a sense of safety and belonging can lay the groundwork for achieving greater goals. By accomplishing personal development as a long-term goal, young adults may handle their personal and professional lives with greater purpose and contentment.

One of the most difficult challenges that young adults face today is managing the stress caused by conflicting needs and societal pressures. The Cognitive Dissonance Theory perfectly describes this internal struggle, in which people feel uncomfortable holding two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes at the same time.

Cognitive dissonance is common in young adults when personal ambitions, such as pursuing a non-traditional career path, go against societal expectations to choose a more conventional and stable job. Unresolved cognitive dissonance can lead to feelings of frustration, inferiority, or resentment, especially toward those who uphold societal norms.

However, Cognitive Dissonance Theory may not fully explain the resilience and adaptability that many young adults exhibit. Pressure to fit in can encourage creative and critical thinking, resulting in the formation of new career paths that provide both personal fulfillment and social approval. The rise of digital platforms and social media has made it easier to pursue non-traditional careers, which may reduce the stress associated with cognitive dissonance.

Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory emphasizes the phase of ‘Identity vs. Role Confusion’ in young adults, during which career choices reflect their values and goals. It describes this phase as a period of uncertainty and anxiety for young adults.

However, this stage can promote adaptability, innovation, and flexibility. The evolving economy and uncertain career paths encourage young adults to pursue diverse interests, resulting in greater self-discovery and different career paths. The ambiguity of the contemporary marketplace can foster a growth mindset, increasing emotional stability and trust.

Social media impacts both young adults' mental health and self-esteem. According to Social Comparison Theory, young adults frequently evaluate their own worth by comparing themselves to others, particularly on social media platforms. This may set off a cycle of self-scrutiny and criticism in which people feel inadequate and seek validation through likes, comments, and followers.

However, not every comparison is harmful. Social media can also motivate young adults to set higher objectives, live healthier lifestyles, and pursue new interests. Young adults can use social media to promote personal development and positive self-expression by curating content that reflects their values and aspirations.

Digital literacy and mental health awareness are essential for managing social media's impact, encouraging users to set boundaries and prioritize content that boosts their self-esteem.

A recent experimental study, ‘No More FOMO: Limiting Social Media Decreases Loneliness and Depression’, shed light on the causal relationship between social media use and well-being. In this experiment, 143 undergraduates were randomly assigned to either limit their use of Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to 10 minutes per platform per day or use social media as usual for three weeks.

The results showed that the group that limited their social media use had significantly lower levels of loneliness and depression than the control group. Both groups, however, showed a decrease in anxiety and fear of missing out compared to the beginning, indicating that increased self-monitoring may have some benefits.

These findings strongly indicate reducing social media use to about 30 minutes per day can significantly improve well-being.

Cultural differences have a significant impact on career decisions. Young adults in Eastern cultures, where family expectations often lead career choices, may face additional pressure to live up to standards. Western cultures, on the other hand, place an importance on individualism, allowing for greater personal control over career decisions.

Both cultural contexts, however, may promote fear of failure, a desire for emotional security, and pressure to fit in. Addressing these cultural aspects is critical to understanding the various backgrounds of young adults worldwide.

Individuals can use many kinds of practical strategies for dealing with the challenges of young adulthood.

• Incorporating mindful stress management techniques, such as meditation or journaling, can help to reduce the impact of conflicting needs and social norms. 

• Maintaining healthy social media habits is also important; limiting screen time, creating positive and inspiring content, and participating in digital detoxes can all help to reduce the negative effects of social media. 

• Setting short-term, attainable goals, seeking mentorship, and embracing continuous learning can help provide clarity and confidence when dealing with career uncertainty. 

• Acknowledging the importance of mental wellness and seeking supportive connections with others that share personal values can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

The writer is a student of BS Digital Media and Communication at the University of the Punjab.