FOMO and Fizz:  How Social Media Drives Energy Drink Addiction Among Teens

Citric Acid Sucralose, Potassium Benzoate, Caffeine, Acesulfame Potassium, Niacin, Thiamin, Potassium Iodide, and Filtered Carbonated Water.

Does the above list make you think of something like this?

You are wrong.  The above is the ingredient list for one of the oldest energy drinks still being consumed today – Dr Enuf.

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages packed with high levels of caffeine (≥150 mg/L) and sugar (9-13 mg/100 mL), along with other stimulants, vitamins, electrolytes, and various sweeteners, both nutritive and non-nutritive. Popular energy drinks include Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and Bang. Even soft drinks not marketed as energy drinks, such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew, contain significant amounts of caffeine and sugar and may be considered “energy drinks.” Marketed as boosters of energy and alertness, the popularity of energy drinks has surged over the last two decades, as the following data from Statista show:

Source: Statista

The surge in popularity of energy drinks, especially among youngsters and even children, is largely due to social media’s role in glamorizing these beverages as tools for boosting energy and staying awake. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram feature influencers endorsing energy drinks, presenting them as trendy and harmless, which can drive increased consumption among impressionable teens.

Why parents should be concerned about this trend? Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can cause serious health issues like increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and sleep problems, in addition to a host of psychological problems. With teens unaware of these risks, parents need to address the dangers and monitor their social media exposure to these drinks.

The Rise of Energy Drink Consumption Among Teens

Studies by the NIH and the European Food Safety Authority show that 30% of adolescents in the U.S. and up to 70% in Europe report regular consumption of energy drinks. Youngsters typically consume two types of energy drinks: regular-sized bottles (16 oz.) and “energy shots” (2 to 2½ oz.). Both contain high levels of caffeine—70 to 240 mg in a 16-oz. drink and 113 to 200 mg in an energy shot. In comparison, a 12-oz. can of cola has about 35 mg of caffeine, and an 8-oz. cup of coffee has around 100 mg. Energy drinks may also include ingredients like guarana, sugars, taurine, ginseng, B vitamins, glucuronolactone, yohimbe, carnitine, and bitter orange.

So, why are these drinks popular with adolescents? 

Teenagers are drawn to energy drinks for several reasons, including the immediate boost in alertness and energy they provide, which is particularly appealing during high-stress times like exams or late-night study sessions. A recent undercover report by the Times revealed that workers in a warehouse for a major online clothing retailer relied on a constant supply of Red Bulls from the canteen to endure 12-hour shifts of monotonous labor.

​​Image:  An energy drink “Caf-Pow” shown as being glamorous in the popular American Television Series NCIS.  Although Caf-Pow is imaginary, the idea is that energy drinks make you productive and cool.

Among students, the desire to stay awake and socialize also contributes to the popularity of energy drinks. The marketing tactics of energy drink companies, featuring dynamic and youthful imagery, make these drinks seem trendy and desirable. 

Youngsters sometimes mix energy drinks with alcohol, believing it will make them less drunk, despite objective measures, such as reaction times, showing that their level of intoxication is the same as when consuming alcohol alone.

The easy availability of energy drinks—often found in convenience stores, gas stations, and even school vending machines—further contributes to their widespread consumption among teens. 

Finally, the high levels of caffeine and sugar in these drinks can be addictive, creating a cycle where teens crave the stimulating effects and sweet taste, often leading to regular use despite potential health risks.

The Role of Social Media in Promoting Energy Drinks

Social media has dramatically shaped the marketing and consumption of energy drinks among teenagers. Traditional advertising methods, such as newspapers, radio, and T.V., have been largely replaced by promotions driven by influencers and celebrities on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. This shift, combined with the pervasive influence of FOMO (fear of missing out), significantly affects teen behavior.

Influencers and peers often showcase energy drinks as trendy and essential for an active lifestyle, with figures like Logan Paul and KSI popularizing brands like PRIME, which has led to high demand and even resale markets in schools.

Social media algorithms further intensify this influence by targeting teens with tailored energy drink advertisements. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok use sophisticated data-driven techniques to analyze users’ behavior, interests, and interactions. If teens engage with fitness content or posts from influencers endorsing energy drinks, they are increasingly shown ads for these products. These algorithms promote sponsored content that blends with organic posts, making it harder for teens to distinguish between genuine content and advertisements.

Moreover, social media allows teens to become “prosumers,” producing and consuming content about energy drinks. They share their favorites, tag brands, and discuss their choices within their networks, amplifying the appeal of these beverages. The viral nature of social media spreads brand recommendations and user-generated content quickly, often overshadowing traditional advertising. This persuasive environment makes energy drinks more appealing to teens. 

Thus, parents must understand these influences and actively monitor their children’s social media consumption to mitigate the impact of energy drink promotions.

Psychological Impact of Social Media on Teens

Although energy drinks are often marketed as essential for maintaining energy and wellness, especially among teens, the psychological effects of these beverages can be concerning. Understanding these psychological impacts is crucial for parents and guardians as they navigate the challenges of their children’s social media consumption and overall well-being.

Dependency on Health Drinks:

• Health drinks, particularly those with caffeine or stimulants, can lead to psychological dependency.
• Individuals may rely on these beverages for energy or mental alertness, creating a perceived need for them.
• Withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, fatigue) may occur when consumption stops.

Heightened Anxiety:

• Caffeinated and stimulant-laden drinks can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and restlessness.
• For those prone to anxiety, these drinks can intensify symptoms, creating a cycle of stress and jitteriness.

Distorted Perception of Wellness:

• Marketing often promotes the idea that external products are essential for balance and energy.
• This belief can lower self-confidence, leading individuals to feel they cannot achieve wellness naturally.

Emotional Fluctuations:

• Over-reliance on energy drinks can result in mood swings due to temporary highs followed by crashes.
• Such fluctuations can disrupt emotional stability, leaving individuals feeling drained and frustrated.

Health Risks Associated with Energy Drink Consumption

The consumption of energy drinks, particularly among young people, has been linked to various short- and long-term health risks. One of the most immediate concerns is the high caffeine content in these drinks can lead to symptoms such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

In 2013, a 28-year-old man in Turkey who had consumed three 250-mL cans of energy drink before a basketball game experienced ventricular tachycardia. He lost consciousness during the match and died three days after hospitalization [Source]. In 2021, a 21-year-old university student in the U.K. developed heart failure after consuming four 500ml energy drinks daily for two years [Source].

Sugar is another major component of many energy drinks, and its excessive consumption can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems. The combination of high sugar and caffeine can also result in energy crashes, where individuals experience sudden fatigue and irritability, prompting them to consume more drinks, thus fostering dependence. This cycle contributes to what is often referred to as “energy drink addiction” or “fizz addiction,” where individuals feel unable to function without these beverages.

Even sugar-free energy drinks can be harmful due to the addition of artificial sweeteners. While they may avoid the risks of excess sugar, certain artificial sweeteners have been linked to metabolic imbalances and digestive issues. A survey showed that niacin in energy drinks can cause liver injury in individuals who have had a weak liver or a history of liver transplants.

Additionally, energy drinks can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation. This is especially concerning for adolescents and young adults, whose bodies and brains are still developing. Prolonged sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation.

What Are We as a Society Doing About Energy Drink Consumption Among Teens?

In 2019, City Hill Middle School students from Naugatuck, Connecticut, advocated for a bill banning energy drink sales to children under 16, having spent three months studying the health impacts of brands like Red Bull and Monster.

The same year, a South Carolina bill to ban energy drink sales to minors and impose fines on violators advanced to the state’s full medical affairs committee. The bill, supported by the parents of a 16-year-old who died from a caffeine-induced cardiac event after consuming a coffee, soda, and energy drink in two hours, seeks to address the risks associated with these beverages [Source]. However, as of this article’s publication, there has been little progress on the issue.

As a society, we must recognize the urgent need to address the psychological effects of health drinks on our youth. The increasing prevalence of these beverages, coupled with their marketing as essential for energy and wellness, poses significant risks to teenagers’ mental health.

We must prioritize awareness and education about the potential dangers of these drinks, fostering discussions around healthier lifestyle choices and promoting natural methods for maintaining energy and well-being. By encouraging responsible consumption and advocating for stricter regulations on health drink marketing, we can help protect our children from developing dependencies and distorted perceptions of wellness. 

Parental Guidance and Monitoring

While government regulations and legislation play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, we cannot wait for these measures to take effect. As adults and parents, we are responsible for proactively protecting our children from the harmful effects of energy drinks.

By setting limits, educating them about the risks, and fostering healthier habits, we can take immediate steps to ensure their well-being and shield them from the potential dangers of these highly caffeinated beverages.

Identifying Signs of Energy Drink Addiction in Teens

Parents should be vigilant about behavioral changes in their teens that may indicate energy drink addiction. Common signs include a noticeable increase in consumption of energy drinks, reliance on these beverages to stay alert or energized, irritability, difficulty sleeping, or experiencing energy crashes. Teens may also become secretive about their consumption or show signs of withdrawal, such as fatigue, headaches, or mood swings when they haven’t had an energy drink.

Setting Boundaries for Social Media and Energy Drink Consumption

To help manage both social media use and energy drink consumption, parents can set clear boundaries that promote healthier habits. Monitoring tools like Mobicip allows parents to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and track social media use, helping teens avoid exposure to influencers who promote energy drinks. Parents can limit access to energy drinks by setting strict guidelines around when and how much teens are allowed to consume, emphasizing moderation. Regular family discussions about the health risks of both excessive social media and energy drink use can also help teens develop a balanced relationship with these influences.

Healthier Alternatives and Encouraging Their Consumption

Nothing can beat water as an energy drink, but there are a few other healthy alternatives to energy drinks that are natural, like coconut water, sugar-free natural fruit smoothies and juices, and herbal teas.  Parents can involve their teens in selecting and preparing these drinks, making them more appealing. Additionally, promoting hydration with water and incorporating energy-boosting foods like nuts, fruits, and yogurt into daily meals can naturally sustain energy levels. Positive reinforcement and making these alternatives readily available at home can help teens adopt healthier choices.

How can we at Mobicip help you?

Mobicip Parental Control App offers valuable tools for monitoring and managing our children’s social media presence, which can be instrumental in curbing their exposure to harmful influences, including the promotion of energy drinks. Here’s how we can help:

• Social Media Monitoring: Mobicip allows parents to monitor their children’s social media activity, providing insights into interactions and content shared. This feature helps identify potential issues such as cyberbullying or unhealthy comparisons, enabling parents to intervene when necessary.

• Real-Time Alerts: Parents receive instant notifications about suspicious activity or flagged content, allowing for timely discussions about online behavior. This proactive approach helps mitigate the psychological impacts of social media by keeping parents informed and engaged.

• Content Filtering: Mobicip’s robust content filtering capabilities block access to inappropriate websites and harmful content. This feature protects children from exposure to negative influences and helps cultivate a healthier online environment, minimizing the risk of anxiety and distorted self-perception.

• Screen Time Management: The app allows parents to set limits on screen time, promoting a balanced lifestyle. By encouraging breaks and offline activities, Mobicip helps reduce dependency on digital devices and fosters healthier habits, addressing the issues of emotional fluctuations and reliance on stimulants.

FAQs

What are the signs of energy drink addiction in teens?

Signs of energy drink addiction in teens include frequent consumption of energy drinks, reliance on them for alertness or energy, irritability, sleep disturbances, and experiencing energy crashes. Additionally, teens may become secretive about their intake or show withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue when they can’t access these drinks.

How can social media influence teen behavior?

Social media can significantly influence teen behavior by promoting trends and products, such as energy drinks, through influencers and peer groups. This exposure can lead to increased consumption as teens seek to emulate trends, fit in with their peers, or gain social approval.

What are the health risks of energy drinks for teens?

Energy drinks pose several health risks for teens, including increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and potential for anxiety and irritability. The high caffeine and sugar content can also lead to long-term issues like obesity, heart problems, and metabolic disorders.

How can parents monitor their teen’s social media usage?

Parents can monitor their teen’s social media usage by using parental control tools like Mobicip, which allow them to set screen time limits, block inappropriate content, and review activity. Open communication about online behavior and setting clear rules about social media use can also help manage and monitor their activities.

What are some healthy alternatives to energy drinks?

Healthy alternatives to energy drinks include natural fruit smoothies, herbal teas, and coconut water. Encouraging hydration with water and incorporating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, nuts, and yogurt can provide sustained energy without the negative effects of energy drinks.