Vestavia Hills Student Emma Lembke Makes Waves as Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Honoree for Social Media Advocacy

Vestavia Hills College Student Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List

In a remarkable achievement, Emma Lembke, a bright and passionate college student from Vestavia Hills, has recently celebrated being named to the esteemed Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. At just 21 years old, this senior at Washington University in St. Louis is making a significant difference, especially among her peers, by championing a cause that everyone can relate to—moderating social media use.

The Birth of Log Off

Emma’s journey began back in 2020 while she was a student in Alabama. She noticed the troubling effects that social media was having on her mental health and the mental well-being of her friends. This realization spurred her to create Log Off, a movement aimed at encouraging young people to take a step back from their screens and engage more with the world around them.

Through Log Off, Emma employs various avenues to spread her message—podcasts, programs, think tanks, and even blogs. Interestingly enough, she uses social media itself as a tool to reach her audience. In a captivating initiative dubbed “Forks Up, Phones Down”, she is inspiring peers to put their phones away during dinner, promoting genuine conversations instead of the habitual scrolling and doomscrolling.

A Global Movement

What started in the corridors of high schools and colleges in the U.S. is rapidly expanding beyond borders. Emma’s passion for media literacy is now fostering chapters that aim to operate globally. She seeks to teach young individuals the importance of being mindful about their social media consumption, bringing her mission to a wider audience.

Understanding a Shared Struggle

Emma’s climb to recognition comes at an interesting time when people of her generation are finding themselves wrestling with the challenges that social media presents. In conversations with peers, Emma often finds that many young people share her outlook. When she discusses Log Off, the responses are often poignant. A classmate quipped, “I can’t stand social media!” echoing sentiments that are far too common among her contemporaries.

A Personal Journey

Reflecting on her own experience, Emma recalls the exact moment when she recognized the grip social media had on her life. Initially, the thrill of establishing her online identity at age 12 was captivating. But soon enough, she found herself scrolling aimlessly for over five hours a day, influenced by the constant barrage of content in her feed. It was detrimental to her mental health, leading her to confront issues surrounding body image and unrealistic expectations.

The Turning Point

One day, a simple notification buzzed on her phone, prompting her to reach for it instinctively. But in that moment, she questioned her reliance on social media. “Why was I letting it control my life?” she pondered. This insight marked a pivotal turning point. After deleting her social media accounts for several months, she was finally able to refocus on her mental health and personal well-being, rediscovering what truly mattered in life.

The Research Backing

As Emma entered her final year of high school, the world faced the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. With everyone becoming increasingly glued to their devices during lockdowns, research highlighting the adverse effects of social media continued to grow. According to a 2023 report from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, adolescents who spend over three hours a day on social media are at a significantly heightened risk of anxiety and depression.

Finding Balance in a Digital Age

Emma understands that every individual’s social media experience is unique. For her, content promoting dieting became a source of distress, while her sister thrived on cooking videos. The key to a healthier relationship with social media, she emphasizes, is regularly auditing your feeds. It’s about filtering out potentially harmful content while discovering what genuinely enriches your life.

“It varies from person to person,” she explains. “I advise looking for purposeful interaction and asking yourself—what’s your North Star? For me, it was about keeping in touch with family and learning new things.” With this clarity, Emma encourages her peers to rethink their digital habits, transform their online experiences, and find joy outside of their screens.

The Road Ahead

Emma Lembke’s journey, now recognized by Forbes, is a testament to the impact one individual can have on a generation. With her head firmly on her shoulders and her heart set on making a difference, it will be exciting to see how her mission continues to evolve, encouraging us all to log off for a bit and engage in the beauty of the world around us.