The greatest brilliance is born under pressure.’
YOUNG people liken online challenges to ‘pressure turning into strength,’ viewing digital struggles as opportunities for growth and self-awareness.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of PEXELS/ voitkevich
FOR many young Filipinos, social media serves as both a creative outlet and a space for connection, learning, and self-discovery.
KAROLINA GRABOWSKA KABOOMPICS
For today’s youth, social media is more than a platform for self-expression — it is also a space where pressure, comparison and constant visibility can take a toll. Yet, many young Filipinos believe these same challenges can become opportunities for resilience, authenticity and growth. Here’s what they have to say.
ASHLEY MAE GUADALUPE
20 years old
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
By continuously pursuing excellence with the purpose of becoming an inspiration to others rather than seeking online validation. When the priority is making a genuine impact rather than gaining fame, the pressure of being constantly visible online becomes a motivation for self-improvement, authenticity and becoming a responsible netizen.
PRIZCIA JHOIE PASCUAL
20 years old
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Youth can turn online pressure into growth by using social media to learn new skills, share their talents and connect with people who support them. They should focus on creating rather than comparing themselves with others so they build confidence instead of stress. Setting limits on scrolling also helps protect their mental health. Most importantly, they can use their online voice to support worthy causes and become more responsible digital citizens.
VETINA MARIE P. SORIANO
19 years old
Incoming second-year BS Medical Technology
If we acknowledge our self-worth and truly understand who we are, we can transform this pressure into opportunity. In that moment of clarity, we discover exactly what we need to grow while embracing the unique strengths we possess. It may seem difficult at first because online visibility often demands constant perfection. This pressure can easily blind us, pushing us to masquerade as someone we are not. But embracing our authenticity in this digital age makes a difference, as it turns pressure into a catalyst for resilience — transforming what may seem like a dark space into brilliance.
Imagine a diamond. Scientifically, a diamond is formed when carbon is subjected to intense pressure and heat. Metaphorically, today’s youth can do the same — transforming the weight of online visibility into resilience and proving that the greatest brilliance is born under pressure.
CHARLES KENNETH PONCE
19 years old
Incoming second-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The pressure of constant online visibility can be overwhelming, but it can also foster personal growth if approached wisely. Practicing digital well-being is crucial, as not every post will receive positive feedback. Accepting criticism and avoiding harmful comparisons can enhance mental well-being. Additionally, young people can positively influence others by sharing insightful information and fostering compassionate discussions, becoming responsible digital citizens.
MARISTELLA SUZAINE PASCUAL
19 years old
BS Human Biology
In every aspect of life, it is important to capitalize on our strengths. Online visibility is often seen as a source of pressure, but it can also be one of the greatest opportunities for growth. Digital platforms allow us to showcase our strengths, pursue our passions and create opportunities that hone our skills while helping us reach wider audiences.
Social media can be a space where we build businesses, share our talents, provide entertainment, inspire others, raise awareness about important causes and use our voices to make a meaningful difference. When we choose to use our online presence with purpose and authenticity, we not only grow as individuals but also encourage others to believe in their own potential and become agents of positivity.
ENRICO TEODORO P. DAYAO
20 years old
BS Occupational Therapy
As the new generation emerges, the online world often feels like a restrictive “box” where personal decisions are heavily policed by rigid digital standards. Because digital spaces serve as a permanent, living archive, a single misstep can trigger a culture of cancellation that permanently stains an individual’s image. This permanence creates intense pressure born from constant, inescapable visibility.
However, the primary purpose of the digital sphere remains rooted in communication, mutual understanding and checking in on one another. From this perspective, digital visibility transcends mere belonging or fitting into a predefined trend. Instead, it becomes a dynamic process of being and becoming.
Our online presence should not be a static performance meant to please a crowd, but an evolving platform where we discover who we are and shape who we want to be. By shifting our perspective, we return to the true purpose of the digital world—transforming it from a courtroom of judgment into a space of inspiration where we can realize our highest aspirations.
