Apathy In Teenagers: Moodiness or Something More?

By Mia Palacios

Sighs, shrugs, or the classic response, “whatever.” These are things that lots of teenagers do, labeled by adults as “apathy”— the lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It’s a common label placed on adolescents, but why not stop and wonder what’s really happening behind the indifference?

Is it simple laziness, a developmental phase, or something more? Psychologists suggest it can be a mix. According to Dr. Carl Pickhardt, a psychologist writing for Psychology Today, while some degree of apathy is a normal part of teenage development as young people forge their own identities, a pronounced and persistent “shutdown” is different. 

He notes it can be a potential sign of emotional or psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, or overwhelming stress. “It’s not just a bad attitude,” he states. “It can be a sign of emotional or psychological distress.”

To understand the view from within, we spoke with two students. Sophomore Keisy Arias connects modern apathy to the digital environment. 

“A lot of things that would get a reaction out of us have been made less impactful because of how much we’re seeing it online,” she explained. She suggests that constant online exposure to global issues and social discourse can make them feel “overdone,” leading to a type of emotional numbing. Keisy also sees it as a typical phase. 

“I think this is just a time in a lot of kids’ lives where apathy tends to almost…take over, and a lot of people tend to then grow out of that,” said Keisy.

Senior Adam Anaya offers a perspective focused on connection and purpose. 

“I think a lot of teens really are apathetic, but not because they do not care,” he said. “A lot of it comes from feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like nothing they do really matters.”

 For Adam, the response is community. He and his friends are working to build a Christian student group to foster support. “Apathy fades when people feel seen and have something meaningful to be part of.”

So how can you tell the difference between typical teenage moodiness and something more concerning? Experts advise looking for patterns of persistent disengagement across multiple areas of life:

• Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends and family, losing interest in social plans.
• Academic Disengagement: A noticeable drop in grades or effort, missing assignments, skipping classes.
• Loss of Passion: Abandoning hobbies, sports, clubs, or activities they once enjoyed.
• Emotional Flatness: Appearing consistently unmoved or indifferent to both positive and negative events.

Addressing apathy often does involve connection. Dr. Pickhardt emphasizes the importance of open, non-judgmental communication from trusted adults, focusing on listening rather than lecturing.

This aligns with student-driven solutions like the one Anaya describes, which focuses on building inclusive communities and a sense of purpose. “If you are respected, you will respect others,” he noted, suggesting that compassion can break a cycle of indifference.

For students experiencing a prolonged sense of emptiness or disconnection, reaching out is a critical first step. School counselors, trusted teachers, coaches, and mental health professionals are available as resources.

Teenage apathy is not a simple phenomenon. It can be a temporary shield, a symptom of stress, a call for purpose, or a normal part of growing up. Understanding its nuances is key to addressing it-both individually and as a school community.