Escaping the Social Media Trap with the Therapeutic Power of Gaming and Humor Which Saved My Life after a Burnout
Last year I wrote a story titled Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life. Many readers found it interesting and even eye-opening. Just the other day, a friend of mine — who’s still in college — asked for help growing his new YouTube channel. He was eager to make his videos go viral and start earning money and even considered to drop the college.
I’ve been there before, so I totally understood his excitement. But seeing him guzzle down energy drinks, pulling all-nighters, and even squeezing in naps between classes reminded me of myself when I first started. I knew we needed to have a heart-to-heart. I wanted to share my own experiences, not to discourage him, but to give him a little perspective on what chasing viral fame can really cost
I told him after completing film school, I jumped headfirst into the excitement of YouTube, eager to share my creations with the world. In a matter of months, my videos on childhood innocence, multiculturalism, and Aboriginal advocacy gained traction, earning me thousands of followers.
But as the view count climbed, so did the pressures and negative comments. I never expected the flood of online criticism, especially from strangers who twisted my message. The hate took a toll, leading to a life-altering moment where the pursuit of virality collided with my health.
One night, fueled by desperation for the next viral hit, I consumed five Red Bulls and pulled an all-nighter to create content. But what I got was an emergency hospital visit, severe stomach pain, and an intense wake-up call. The fame I had been chasing lost its allure, and I realized the true cost of neglecting my well-being and the moments that mattered most in life.
Through a combination of psychotherapy and reconnecting with my real passions — gaming, filmmaking, and spending time with friends and family — I found balance again. I made radical changes, closing my successful social media accounts and focusing on creating meaningful content for others, without the pressure of chasing likes or subscribers.
Gaming, humor, and reconnecting with my hobbies became my lifeline. These activities brought me peace and happiness, far more than the fleeting dopamine hits from viral videos. Now, I’ve learned to appreciate single-player games as a personal retreat and find joy in multiplayer gaming with friends. The shared experience of gaming has helped me forge deep connections and build valuable friendships online. I also spend more time in car shows which give me great pleasure.
Today, my approach to social media is vastly different. I maintain small profiles, but I’m intentional with my content. No longer obsessed with follower counts, I focus on organic growth and meaningful engagement with my dedicated audience through platforms like Substack.
I’ve channeled my passion into helping others build their own platforms like a small YouTube community channel and found a new purpose in volunteer work and content creation for fun, not fame. I enjoy writing essays and stories. Now I have gaming and media publications promoting them through my website. I have also started guest blogging to help other writers and delight my readers.
I told my friend that this journey has taught me that fame, particularly online, can be deceiving and empty. Real fulfillment comes from genuine connections, health, and pursuing what truly makes you happy. He understood and said he would be cautious.
To aspiring YouTubers and other content creators, I encourage you to weigh the benefits of viral success against the hidden costs to your mental and physical health. Find balance, stay grounded, and never lose sight of what matters most — your well-being. Life-work balance is critical for our health and happiness from my experience.
Thank you for reading my story. Let’s continue to explore the power of gaming, creativity, and meaningful human connections together without the risk of an emotional burnout. Here is the link to my poignant story who missed it before.
Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media’s Grip on My Life
The hidden costs of chasing fame and neglecting my health and life’s precious momentsmedium.com
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A Little About Me
I write articles in my field covering gaming, film-making, social media, and design. I am also a YouTuber. Thank you for subscribing to my account to get notifications when I post on Medium. I also created a new blogging site to share my content for free and promote stories of writers contributing to my publications on Medium. I have a Substack newsletter. Let’s connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.
I own two publications on Medium. One for video gamers and another for YouTubers and Podcasters. I also support Illumination Integrated Publications as a volunteer editor and participate in collaborative activities in the Slack Workspace. Writer applications for my publications can be sent via this weblink. Please add your Medium ID.
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