Today, Explained
Why millennials dread motherhood
Dec 15, 2023
Rachel Cohen, a Vox writer specializing in policy, and Sarah Peterson, author of "Momfluenced," delve into the anxieties millennial women face about motherhood. They discuss how societal pressures and unrealistic media portrayals contribute to a sense of dread and ambivalence. The conversation highlights the contrasting experiences of motherhood across generations and explores the role of momfluencers in shaping expectations. Together, they tackle the emotional toll of modern parenting and the stark reality behind the curated images found online.
26:07
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Quick takeaways
- Millennials feel dread and uncertainty about motherhood due to conflicting messages and portrayals on social media.
- The idealized and curated images of motherhood on social media can create feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion, but they do not represent the full spectrum of experiences and emotions.
Deep dives
Millennials and the Dread of Motherhood
Many millennials, especially women, are feeling a sense of dread and uncertainty about motherhood. They are bombarded with conflicting messages and portrayals of motherhood on social media, with some influencers depicting a picture-perfect version while others highlight the challenges and anxieties. The rise of mom-fluencers, who use their maternal identity to build social media followings, has further contributed to this confusion. The constant exposure to curated content and societal pressures can leave millennials questioning whether motherhood is right for them. However, it is important to avoid basing decisions solely on what is seen online and to seek a more nuanced understanding of the realities and joys of parenthood.
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