The Hidden Cost of Being a Content Creator | Jade Bowler (UnjadedJade) on Burnout, Loneliness & the Authenticity Battle

In a world where half of young people UK dream of becoming influencers, Jade Bowler delves into the hidden costs of this career - from burnout and loneliness to the struggle for authenticity. Jade Bowler (@UnJadedJade ) is an author, content creator, podcaster, and one of the UK’s first “StudyTubers.” Since starting her YouTube channel at 16, Jade has built a global audience and is shaping a generation interested in spirituality, self-discovery in your 20s, productivity and finding "casual magic" in your every day. Elizabeth Oldfield and Jade Bowler talk about: 🎙️The hidden costs of being a content creator, the pressures of social media and the responsibility of influencers 🌿 How to live authentically online and build genuine connection when millions are watching 🌈Jade’s journey of coming out and navigating internalised homophobia --- 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✨ Listen to Jade's podcast @findingyourcasualmagic Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:16 What is Sacred to you? Jade Bowler Answers 02:35 Craving connection and finding it online 08:30 Jade reflects on her parents’ contrasting influences 11:11 Bullied for being "too academic" 13:53 Starting StudyTube at 16:56 The weight of fame, influence and responsibility 20:15 Algorithmic pressure vs creativity 26:10 Authenticity vs. Performance online 32:15 Searching to fill the wisdom-gap 38:11 Coming out online and internalised homophobia 43:52 The hidden cost of being a creator Keywords Jade Bowler (known online as UnJaded Jade) is one of the UK’s first StudyTubers who built a global audience sharing study tips, motivation, and her journey as a student. In this episode of The Sacred Podcast, Jade reflects on what it’s really like to grow up online and live as a content creator in a world driven by algorithms, short-form video, and the pressures of social media.We dive deep into the hidden costs of being an influencer: from creator burnout, loneliness, and mental health struggles, to the constant pressure to stay relevant on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Jade speaks honestly about the difference between being a StudyTuber at 16 and navigating life now as a young woman in her 20s.Jade also shares her coming out story as an LGBTQ+ creator, reflecting on her experience with internalised homophobia, the importance of authenticity online, and how to build genuine connection and community with an audience. She discusses what it means to be a Gen Z content creator, the challenges of making your personal life part of your brand, and how she finds balance, meaning, and even spirituality in the digital age.