Why is everyone obsessed with getting rich overnight? Social media makes it look easy—luxury cars, designer clothes, dream vacations. But is this real wealth or just an illusion? Let’s talk about the pressure Gen Z faces to make money fast—and what’s really going on behind the scenes.

The Get-Rich-Quick Mentality

A lot of young investors today aren’t interested in slow and steady wealth-building. They want to get rich fast, and they’re taking big risks to do it. Instead of saving and investing wisely over time, they’re diving into cryptocurrencies, meme stocks, and speculative assets, hoping to hit the jackpot overnight.

For Gen Z (ages 13 to 28), working a regular job for 40 years just to retire comfortably feels outdated. They want that comfortable life now—the luxury vacations, the designer clothes, and the expensive cars. But here’s the problem: most of them don’t have the money to afford that lifestyle.

The Social Media Illusion

Social media is making things worse. Instagram and TikTok are full of influencers showing off fancy lifestyles—expensive Tesla cars, $2,000 Canada Goose jackets, fine dining, and 5-star vacations. Whether real or fake, these posts create pressure. People feel like they’re falling behind if they don’t have these luxuries, even if they’re struggling financially.

This leads to a “Champagne taste on a beer budget” problem. Many young people are living beyond their means, spending money they don’t have just to keep up. They want the big house instead of a modest rental. They rack up credit card debt just to “flex” online. And when the big financial gamble doesn’t pay off, frustration sets in.

The Harsh Reality of Wealth Building

The truth is, wealth accumulation has always been a long-term game. But patience is hard to come by when social media makes it look like everyone else is already rich.

Take homeownership, for example. With today’s skyrocketing real estate prices, many Gen Zers simply can’t afford to buy a home. Many are still living with their parents, feeling like they’re missing out on milestones that previous generations achieved earlier in life.

Another issue is unrealistic expectations. In surveys, Gen Z has reported believing they need a salary of $580,000 per year and a net worth of $9 million to be financially successful. While it’s good to have high goals, this kind of thinking can create unnecessary stress and disappointment.

Big Wins vs. Big Losses

The traditional path to wealth—climbing the corporate ladder, saving, and investing consistently—doesn’t seem appealing anymore. Instead, many young people think the only way to get ahead is by taking big bets in speculative markets. And sure, some people strike gold.

Take Keith Gill, also known as “Roaring Kitty.” In 2020, he invested about $53,000 in GameStop stock and turned it into over $250 million. A few people followed his lead and made money. But many others lost big chasing the hype.

Or look at Haliey Welch, the “Hawk Tuah Girl.” She became a viral sensation in 2024 after a TikTok interview. She then launched a meme cryptocurrency called $HAWK, which reached a market cap of $490 million. But just as quickly as it rose, it crashed—leaving many investors with massive losses.

Or take a look at Only Fans model, Mia Khalifa, who earns about $6.4 million per month by showing exclusive content of herself. 

These stories make it seem like wealth is just one viral moment away. But for every success, there are thousands of failures that don’t get talked about. Most people who try to make fast money in speculative markets end up losing instead.

Finding a Balanced Approach

The financial world has changed, but the fundamentals of wealth-building remain the same. Patience, discipline, and smart investing are still the most reliable ways to build financial security. While social media and viral moments can create new opportunities, they don’t replace the need for long-term financial literacy.

Instead of chasing the next big meme stock or crypto hype, young people should focus on real financial education. Learning how to budget, invest, and grow wealth over time is a far better strategy than gambling on the latest trend.

In the end, wealth isn’t about getting rich overnight. It’s about making smart decisions, managing risk, and thinking long-term.

Gen Z making it big

Here are some prominent Gen Z social media influencers who have achieved significant financial success:

1. Charli D’Amelio: An American social media personality and dancer, Charli gained fame through her dance videos on TikTok. As of 2025, she has over 155 million followers on the platform and has expanded her career into acting and reality TV. en.wikipedia.org
2. Addison Rae: Starting with viral dance routines on TikTok, Addison has ventured into music, acting, and brand endorsements. In 2020, she was reported as the highest-earning TikTok star, with $5 million in earnings from various deals. en.wikipedia.org
3. Khaby Lame: Known for his humorous TikTok videos silently mocking overly complicated “life hacks,” Khaby became the most-followed creator on TikTok in June 2022. His relatable content has led to significant brand partnerships. forbes.com
4. Kyle Thomas: A British social media personality, Kyle is recognized for his videos featuring rescued animals. As of 2023, he is among the highest-earning UK content creators on TikTok. en.wikipedia.org
5. Haley and Hanna Cavinder: Known as the Cavinder twins, these American basketball players have amassed a large social media following. By July 2022, they had earned an estimated $1.7 million in endorsement deals, leveraging their online presence and athletic careers. en.wikipedia.org
6. Livvy Dunne: A Louisiana State University gymnastics star, Livvy has garnered over eight million followers on TikTok and five million on Instagram. In 2024, she earned approximately $3.9 million through endorsement deals with brands like American Eagle and Vuori. talksport.com
7. Savanah Moss: A TikTok sensation known for her “fever dream” videos, Savanah has attracted over 11 million followers. Her creative and surreal content has turned into a profitable venture, involving collaborations with her family. theatlantic.com
8. Sophie Rain: Founder of the “Bop House,” an OnlyFans collective in Florida, Sophie and her housemates have generated substantial income by creating NSFW content. The mansion reportedly brings in nearly $15 million monthly. nypost.com

These individuals exemplify how Gen Z influencers are leveraging social media platforms to build lucrative careers across various industries.

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