Attention spans are shortening and the caffeine intake is rising

For many students and adults, the day does not start until they have a cup of coffee. But whether caffeine helps them stay focused or does more harm than good depends on how much they consume and how often.

Social media platforms such as  TikTok and Instagram regularly feature new drinks, drawing younger customers to try caffeinated drinks from local coffee shops and chains such as Starbucks. 

Wolf Brew barista Julia Sicairos said she’s noticed younger customers ordering caffeinated drinks.

“A lot of younger kids will come in with their parents and ask us for a latte, and it is surprising because they don’t look any older than middle school,” Sicarios said. 

The growing interest in caffeinated drinks among younger customers raises questions about how early caffeine consumption begins and what role social media plays in shaping their habits and preferences.

LBCC student Roxanne Bowman said caffeine became part of her routine when she was young. 

“I started drinking caffeine when I was around 13. My aunt would let me have some of hers, so I’ve definitely been doing it for a while,” Bowman said.

With constant stimulation from social media, technology and the demands of everyday life, some students may turn to caffeine to help stay focused and energized. 

Others said they drink caffeinated beverages more for the taste than for the energy boost.

“I really only drink it for the taste. I like the different latte flavors and especially when it’s pumpkin season,” LBCC student Mia Welch said. 

For some younger consumers, coffee culture is about more than just getting an energy boost. As certain beverages gain attention online, coffee shops have become places where customers can try new flavors and participate in popular trends.

Although caffeine can help students stay alert during long classes or study sessions, consuming too much can lead to unwanted effects. 

Common signs of excessive caffeine consumption can include feeling jittery or anxious and having difficulty sleeping.

“In the beginning when I started working here, I would drink about two to four cups a day, and I would feel super jittery and anxious,” Wolf Brew barista Jessica Quiroz said. 

^{Barista Jessica Quiroz welcomes two customers at Wolfs Brew in Long Beach on Oct. 8. Located less than half a mile from the Liberal Arts Campus, the cafe serves a variety of coffee drinks to students and other customers. (Dayne Uyehara)}

Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a chemical in the brain that helps signal tiredness. This can make people feel more awake and alert, but consuming too much caffeine can also lead to anxiety, an increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. 

While that extra boost may help students get through a long day of classes, it does not replace the rest our bodies need.

For students who already sacrifice sleep to complete assignments or prepare for exams, caffeine can contribute to a cycle of feeling tired and turning to another boost to stay awake.

“Sometimes I can still feel my heart beating when I lay down to go to sleep for the night,”  LBCC student Nicole Gonzalez said.

For students with busy schedules, coffee can seem like an easy way to compensate for lost sleep or difficulties with focus.

“I drink at least one cup of coffee or some type of energy drink everyday, especially when I have to study,” Bowman said. 

Although caffeine is widely consumed by adults, its effects on younger people deserve particular attention. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine consumption among children and adolescents and recommends that they avoid energy drinks.

For students, caffeine may be consumed for energy, taste or because of trends seen on social media. 

While it can provide a temporary boost in alertness, excessive consumption can interfere with sleep and contribute to other unwanted effects. 

Understanding how caffeine affects the body can help students make more informed decisions about how much they consume.