7 Reasons Why Gen Z Is So Anxious Today

Gen Z Anxiety:  Generation Z is people born in 1997-2012, and in a fast-paced digital world, this new young generation has always been a topic of discussion. They are often regarded as young people with an evolving mindset, who are the first truly ‘digital native’ generation. However, as every coin has two sides, social media doom scrolling, economic pressures, and global uncertainties are also alarming issues.

7 Reasons Why Gen Z Is So Anxious Today: 

Let's break down some of the top 7 reasons why GenZ is so anxious, along with tips to cope.

1. Overwhelmed With Social Media

Social media has become an indispensable part of the Gen Z world. Spending free time scrolling through Instagram and other social media platforms results in comparisons to other people's 'perfect lives,' causing self-doubt, FOMO (fear of missing out) and isolation.

For most of the young generation, their self-worth is proportionate to their social media interactions, like how many people like their posts and how many followers they have, leading to an increase in stress hormones.

2. Economic Uncertainties

Stagnant salaries, heavy student debts, and unstable gig economy jobs are making them uncertain about future economic instability, fearing that they will never own a home or retire comfortably.

3. The Fear of Climate Change

As the generation that inherited Earth’s climate crisis, Gen Z witnesses climate change-induced disasters like wildfires, flooding, and intense heatwaves. In addition, ecoanxiety is one more source of worry for the generation eager to change the world. Indian youth are experiencing unpredictable monsoons and polluted air in major cities like Delhi and others.

4. Post-Pandemic Trauma

Pandemic, COVID-19 confined GenZ to indoors, spending their growing school days on online classes, and missing out on milestones left deep emotional marks on this generation. Working in hybrid modes and dealing with socially anxious behaviours is another challenge that keeps them always connected but disconnected emotionally.

5. Information Overload:

Their lives are bombarded with non-stop news about wars, politics, terrorism and others, all thanks to algorithms, which are designed to feed on outrage.

According to one of the studies conducted at the Social Innovation Summit in San Francisco, organised by the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, a UNICEF-led initiative in partnership with the private sector, Gen Zs "consume news more than any other media type, with 60% admitting they find it difficult coping with current events." Consequently,  doom scrolling and fear-based paralysis follow.

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6. Parenting And Perfectionism

For GenZs, perfection is often associated with their parental pressure, who raised them with higher academic, extracurricular, and career aspirations.

7. Fear Of Face-to-Face Connections

Generation of digital natives prefer screen interaction over real-life interpersonal connections. Dating apps and ghosting cultures promote shallow relationships, while remote jobs exacerbate isolation. In a culturally cohesive Indian society, the movement of people in urban areas leads to added issues of distance from family.

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Simple Ways To Fight Anxiety: 

1. Go on a digital detox by limiting the use of apps for 2 hours per day.

2. Maintain a gratitude journal.

3. If face-to-face therapy seems uncomfortable or expensive, access online therapy.

4. Engage in community-building activities through hobbies.

Reasons Why Gen Z Is So Anxious Today: 

Lastly, it is important for GenZ to know that being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness; it means you have the potential to achieve great things.