The awkward preteen phase may be tremendously evocative to older generations, but this relatability is not shared among their younger counterparts. This period of growth and discovery leaves a huge impact on the road to revelation and truly finding ones’ self. It embraces experiencing eccentric makeup stages, fashion styles, and particular obsessions. However, this juncture has appeared to almost be demolished in recent years due to social media exposure and the pressure to conform to trends. 

Social media inaugurates impossible standards – with the widespread use of social media and exposure to these platforms at a younger age, the period of discovery is skipped in preteens as they try to emulate the behavior, attire, and self expression of post-teen internet personalities. On social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, for instance, older influencers could post tips regarding fashion or makeup or the need to look a certain way. Eventually, preteens will adopt this identity as their own and will begin to mimic their favorite influencer. It can even go as far as to emulate the way they talk or behave. A young, impressionable audience creates a large portion of TikTok and Instagram viewers – but adult influencers create a large portion of the content creators as well. The desire to grow up as soon as possible is even shown when preteens party, or seek out a girlfriend or boyfriend even if they are not ready. Comparing a preteen to an adult is like comparing apples to oranges – the measure of analysis is not one of equity.