Consequences Of Quiet Burnout Among Youth In Lagos, Nigeria
Raji Sakiru Olarotimi, Martins Yunus Oriyomi, Ogundare Ghaffar Opeyemi
Keywords: Quiet burnout, hustle culture, economic pressure, social media, youth mental health.
Abstract
This study examines the phenomenon of quiet burnout among youth in
Lagos State, Nigeria, exploring how hustle culture, economic pressures, and social media exposure collectively contribute to this emerging mental health concern. Using symbolic interactionism and social strain theory as theoretical frameworks, the research employed a mixed-method approach to collect data from 450 respondents aged 18-35 across three Local Government Areas: Eti-Osa (Lagos East), Ikeja (Lagos Central), and
Badagry (Lagos West). Findings reveal that 68.4 percent of respondents exhibit moderate to high levels of quiet burnout, characterized by emotional
exhaustion, detachment from work or academic pursuits, and sustained performance despite internal distress. The study shows that 73.6 percent of
youth engage in multiple income streams, with 81.2 percent reporting
chronic stress related to financial obligations. Social media use averaging
5.8 hours daily significantly correlates with comparison anxiety (76.9 percent) and inadequacy feelings (64.2 percent). Statistical analysis confirms significant relationships between hustle culture participation, economic pressures, social media exposure and burnout symptoms. The research concludes that addressing quiet burnout requires systemic interventions including mental health literacy programmes, economic policy reforms targeting youth employment, regulation of work culture norms, and digital wellness initiatives that promote healthier engagement with social media platforms.
Author Biography
Raji Sakiru Olarotimi
Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Martins Yunus Oriyomi
Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]
Ogundare Ghaffar Opeyemi
Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State, Nigeria
Email: [email protected]