Redazione RHC : 16 November 2025 08:53
A new research project has shown that the online content industry, which has offered people thousands of new ways to earn money, is also placing significant mental stress on its creators .
Video creators, bloggers, streamers, and short filmmakers are increasingly facing emotional crises, and the instability of this work remains a major source of stress.
The study was conducted by the Creators 4 Mental Health initiative in collaboration with the analysis group Lupiani Insights and Strategies . In-depth interviews were initially conducted with 14 authors from the United States and Canada, followed by an online survey of over 540 people . The results were alarming: many participants reported severe psychological distress , and one in ten admitted to having had suicidal thoughts.
Content creators cited financial instability as the main cause of burnout. Most said they were stressed by the unpredictability of their income. They attributed this problem to dependence on algorithms : one participant explained that at a certain point , reach could drop by 80 % for no apparent reason, leaving the person wondering what they did wrong. When income is directly dependent on statistics , any drop in views becomes a severe emotional blow.
Obsessively monitoring metrics doesn’t reduce pressure. 65% of respondents admitted to constantly checking statistics and believe this habit worsens their well-being. Chronic fatigue ranks third, with 62% of participants saying it has pushed them to a state that could be described as burnout.
However, only a minority has access to psychological support. Nine out of 10 respondents said they couldn’t get professional support, even if they needed it. For self-employed creatives, the situation is even more challenging: the lack of professional colleagues makes experiences more isolating, and opportunities for sharing are virtually nonexistent. Between 61% and 66% of participants admitted they had never been part of a professional community or attended events for creatives.
Trust in the platforms where authors publish their work is also low. One in five respondents said they felt confident in their chosen social network . Constant algorithm changes fuel fears for the future: authors never know how the next update will impact their earnings and audience.
In this context, many are turning to AI-based tools. Two-thirds of respondents already use AI and find it useful. However, attitudes toward new technologies are mixed: participants consider them useful, but also fear potential issues with copyright , representation accuracy, and algorithmic fairness. These concerns were particularly common among those who had already experienced serious emotional difficulties.
Researchers emphasize that the industry, which has inspired millions of people for a decade, has become a source of serious risks for those who work there daily . And without support tools, a community, and clear rules for the platform, the situation will only get worse.
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