The colloquial expression, ‘oldest daughter syndrome,’ has gained popularity on social media, especially TikTok, as many women have taken to the internet, using the hashtag ‘#oldest_daughter_syndrome’ to post about their experiences as oldest daughters, the unique challenges they face, and the emotional burdens they often bear. Oldest daughters have been sharing their stories online and attributing many experiences to the oldest daughter syndrome. These include feeling a great sense of responsibility from childhood into adulthood, overachieving, experiencing anxiety and worry, people-pleasing, having trouble setting boundaries, struggling with feelings of guilt, and managing adult relationships with difficulty. “My mother always told me to set an example for my younger sisters, which put a lot of pressure on me and often left me feeling anxious,” Shadia*, a 28-year-old English teacher, the oldest daughter of three, told Egyptian Streets. From a young age, Shadia’s mother would brag about her eldest daughter’s success to their relatives. While that made her happy, it also raised the bar. “I felt like I had to continue getting good grades, continue being obedient, and excel in everything, or else I would disappoint her,” Shadia said. “I think it…
Social Media Gives the Struggles of the Oldest Daughter a New Term
August 25, 2024
By Nadine Tag
Journalist
