Feb. 25, 2026
By Kapri Del Regno
Staff Writer
When scrolling through your social media feed, it can be difficult to avoid Day in the Life videos. From perfectly timed morning routines to productive school days and aesthetic wind-downs, these videos often make everyday life look effortless.
Sophomore Ridhi Gowda said these videos are a daily presence for many students.
“I watch Day in the Life videos pretty often, usually a couple of times a day because they show up on my TikTok For You Page with things I’m interested in,” Gowda said.
She said, as a result of watching these videos, she now uses e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream, Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum.
“When I enjoy something [influencers] use or recommend and see positive results, I like to add it to my routine,” Gowda said.
She said she also wears Brandy Melville Hilary pants, Lululemon Align high-rise pants with pockets and Old Navy high-waisted SoComfy wide-leg sweatpants, which she discovered through Day in the Life videos.
“I am tall and find it can be difficult to find clothes that fit well,” Gowda said. “When creators show tall-friendly clothing that I like, I am more likely to follow them and value their recommendations.”
Although she enjoys these videos, Gowda said they can lead to unrealistic expectations.
“They make it seem like every day should be perfect, organized and stress-free,” Gowda said. “Sometimes I compare myself, and it can make me feel a little down if their day looks super productive while mine isn’t.”
Gowda said it would be better if Day in the Life videos were more honest.
“I wish they showed more struggles, procrastination and stress – the normal pressures teens go through,” Gowda said.
Like Gowda, sophomore Kareem Elsayed said he recognizes the videos’ unrealistic nature.
“We get falsified versions of a full day, and we get expectations that are not met due to the fact that our day might simply just be different,” Elsayed said. “Although some people may look at these videos and get down on their own routines, others take these routines and elevate their own.”
Elsayed said he feels mixed emotions when a creator around his age posts a polished routine.
“At face value, it seems that I’m falling behind, but I take the routine and try to integrate some positive aspects into my own routine,” Elsayed said.
He said Day in the Life videos have motivated him to wake up early about three times a week to fit in an hour-long soccer training session.
“My day starts on a productive note, and although it feels terrible waking up earlier than I need to, it definitely sets me up to have a good day,” Elsayed said.
He said Day in the Life videos have also led him to take up journaling, which he does for 10-15 minutes each day.
“Sometimes my mind is running, and I’m having all these thoughts at once, but with journaling, I can see my own thoughts and feelings, which helps me clear my mind,” Elsayed said.
“These videos often portray highly structured, aesthetically pleasing days that aren’t realistic for most students.”
Freshman Sophia Duran said she watches Day in the Life videos several times a day.
“These videos make me feel inspired at times to improve my lifestyle, but mostly pressured to live up to the expectations that the videos set,” Duran said.
Despite these pressures, Duran said she tries to emulate the people in the videos.
“I have changed my style or certain routines to match a creator,” Duran said. “I usually do this because I like how the creator looks.”
School counselor Ms. Leidemer said students should be cognizant of the mental health consequences of watching Day in the Life videos.
“Many students compare themselves to influencers or peers who appear to have perfect routines, bodies, grades or social lives,” Leidemer said. “These videos often portray highly structured, aesthetically pleasing days that aren’t realistic for most students.”
Rather than feeling as though their lives do not measure up, Leidemer said students should look beyond social media.
“I encourage them to take a step back and remember that social media is not a full picture of anyone’s life,” Leidemer said. “I remind them to focus on their own strengths, values and goals, rather than someone else’s highlight reel.”
