Sara Bareilles: Anxiety, Anger, and Art (2021)

Activism

Sara Bareilles discusses the pressures of activism on social media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. She feels that there's a growing expectation to constantly engage with social justice issues online, which can feel overwhelming and insincere. Sara explains, "I just always want to make sure that I'm trying to be as authentic with my expression as an activist and as a person on the Earth as I can be" 1. This pressure can lead to fear of making mistakes, hindering open dialogue and learning.

   

Social Media

Social media's impact on mental health is a significant concern for Sara. She recounts an incident where her anger over a phone in the theater led to an online outburst, which she later regretted. Sara reflects, "I got so much positive feedback for being angry and I was like, this is poison" 2. This experience highlighted the performative nature of anger online and the importance of self-reflection. Additionally, she discusses the anxiety and comparison traps inherent in social media, questioning its role as a healthy social space.