The constant demand for fresh content in the digital age has unsurprisingly taken its toll on creators, setting off a rising tide of burnout and other mental health issues. As the pace quickens and pressure mounts, countless individuals seeking their own slice of the virtual paradise are left wrestling with challenges that often go unnoticed by their audience.

Among them, a concerning number of female creators have revealed an additional layer of this troubling reality. As Lizzy Capri, a  content creation powerhouse known for her infectious energy, points out, women tend to face more stumbling blocks in the digital realm than men, for the simple fact women are subjected to society’s scrutiny to a much greater extent.

“Unfortunately, there are many double standards regarding how women are perceived compared to men. We’re often reduced to a ‘pretty face’, with our true potential either ignored or completely cast to the sidelines,” she says. “We also have to be constantly mindful about our actions and how they’re going to be interpreted. It’s a vicious cycle that’s hugely detrimental to our mental health.”

Once a YouTube star, curating exciting content for the youngest generations and their parents, Lizzy has experienced the weight of societal expectations as well as their toll on one’s mental health firsthand.

For the longest time, she was so focused on the small virtual empire she’d built alongside her former partner, catering to the needs of her audience and her partner’s ambitions, that she rarely stopped to think about what she wanted for herself.

Despite the remarkable success on YouTube, something felt like it was missing, and the growing realization that she wasn’t living up to her full potential weighed heavy on her shoulders, leading to a number of mental health issues, including burnout - one of the most frequent challenges male and female creators alike face.

“We all start off doing one thing, but if it goes on for too long, you end up losing interest and not enjoying it anymore. View counts and numbers may bring temporary satisfaction, but after a few years, it can start to feel empty, like chasing an unfulfilling goal,” Lizzy shares. “And if you’re always meeting other people’s expectations, you get burnt out and depressed, like I had.”

Upon separation from her partner, as the doors to brand-new professional avenues started to crack open, Lizzywanted to do something even bigger. She yearned for complete creative freedom, and so she made a bold move that led to a content pivot—a segue into one making more mature content that challenges societal norms and expectations.

And while this shift has undeniably sparked some criticism, it has also allowed Lizzy to spark a debate on the position of female creators in the digital space, as well as the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health.

As Lizzy highlights, female creators are much more likely to be judged and criticized since they’re frequently held to ‘higher standards’ than men. Less likely to be forgiven for any potential perceived ‘mistakes’, female creators tend to fall into the traps of what is expected from them, turning their deepest ambitions—and potential— into an afterthought.

“As a woman in the digital sphere, regardless of content, you’re so focused on the filming and the editing, making sure to avoid any ‘negative’ labels. It’s exhausting, and it diminishes your mental well-being,” Lizzy shares.

Wishing to break free from society’s shackles and empower other young women to do the same is precisely the reason why Lizzy ventured into the unknown. Through her example, she wants to show that women can be successful in vastly different roles and online personas.

In essence, her mission is to empower women (but also men) to embrace their entertainment potential without fear.

Yet, this mission extends beyond content creation and into fashion. She describes her upcoming apparel brand, Cheaks, as ‘edgy and progressive’, with a focus on equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background.

This foray into a novel industry is not just a reflection of Lizzy’s relentless self-exploration but is an invitation to all young women to set themselves free of society’s constraints, to dream big, and chart their own paths to success - on their own terms.

As Lizzy says, “I hope more people will stop allowing society to define who they are and what they can achieve. It’s about passion, acknowledging one’s potential, and daring to push boundaries. After all, our worth is not about likes or followers, it’s about the courage to follow our dreams and keep going.”