Factors Impacting Gen-Z’s Wellbeing

With an ‘I-do-me’ mindset, this generation is self-reliant, progressive, idealistic, and individualistic. However, is this mindset a reality or just a facade that hides deeper emotional and psychological troubles? Let’s find out!

Digital Overload

Cognitive fatigue and emotional exhaustion, combined together is known as digital overload. Growing up in a hyperlinked digital age with extensive screen time and pervasive digital engagement, digital overload has become one of the leading sources of mental health challenges faced by Gen Z. It leads to harassment, cyberbullying, social comparison and feelings of not being good enough. The pressure to maintain an online presence and create digital content can lead to self-comparison and make one feel inadequate. Increased social media exposure also leads to heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns and decreased attention spans. Moreover, unrealistic representations on social networking sites (luxurious vacations, career achievements, etc.) can make one susceptible to feelings of anxiety and depression, especially when confronted with the discrepancy between their perceived and actual lives. 

Academic and Career Pressure

Heightened academic standards and the emphasis put on educational excellence for further admissions and job procurement is shown to be causing considerable psychological distress to young individuals. In addition to these, familial and societal expectations add to the stress that this generation already faces. Feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and apprehension are commonplace for them. The transition from education to employment is increasingly difficult due to shifting job market demands, automation, and economic uncertainty. Traditional career paths are no longer predictable, leading to anxiety about future job security. As a result, young professionals often feel pressured to pursue multiple internships and certifications, which can lead to burnout and mental fatigue. These high expectations for early career success can significantly impact their self-esteem and mental health.

Isolation and Loneliness

Despite being the most digitally connected generation, gen Z experiences profound loneliness and social isolation. This can be attributed to the failure of social media platforms to provide opportunities for in-person interactions rather than just digital connections. This can lead to weak social skills in the real world and increased feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, social comparison, or disconnection from peers. While digital spaces offer a sense of belonging, they often lack the emotional depth and support provided by real-world relationships, thereby escalating the mental health challenges faced by Gen-Z.

Global Uncertainty 

Growing up in an era of global instability—ranging from economic downturns to political unrest—Gen Z faces heightened stress levels, adding to the mental health challenges they already grapple with. Concerns about student debts, housing, living costs, wages, etc. contribute to a constant sense of financial instability, thereby affecting their mental wellbeing and long-term goals. Moreover, the threat of climate change has been linked to a new form of anxiety, known as eco-anxiety or climate anxiety, in young individuals. This is a form of chronic stress caused due to concern over the planet’s future. In addition, Political instability, including conflict, social unrest, and human rights violations, often shapes young people’s view of the world as uncertain and unsafe. This constant exposure to volatility can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and long-term mental health challenges. Such instability also affects their sense of safety and confidence in the future, impacting emotional well-being.