Born between 1996 and 2010, Generation Z is the generation that bridges the gap between Millennials and Generation Alpha. Generation Z, abbreviated as Gen Z, has been faced with challenges of the digital age, climate anxiety, and COVID-19. Because of this, and including myriad other factors, Gen Z is considered one of the saddest generations to date.
According to a report by Harmony Healthcare IT, over 42 per cent of Gen Z integrants were diagnosed with mental health conditions. Anxiety was at the top, followed by depression, ADHD, and PTSD. According to the report, 68 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds held COVID responsible for their loneliness and stress about the future. Surprisingly, about 20 per cent of Gen Z reported engaging in therapy and around 60 per cent are on medications.
As a part of Gen Z, I felt my world spin when COVID struck in 2020. The switch from in-person to online learning was new and extremely challenging. Two years of staying at home took a toll on my mental health and severely disrupted my academic performance. Growing up alongside the internet shaped me, the ease of access to information and shared experience exposed me to different communities and increased my awareness of issues surrounding mental health.
I feel that Gen Z was born in a competitive era and that we’re afraid of rejection. This fear is so present that some give up before trying. This is especially true when it comes to love. Some of us might shield ourselves from heartbreak by convincing ourselves we don’t care, when we do. Despite being open to different types of relationships, over half of Gen Z daters withhold from pursuing a potential relationship because they’re scared. The impact of COVID-19 exacerbated this, making it harder to engage with new people.
There are many other factors that negatively affect Gen Z. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 75 per cent of the surveyed youth stated mass shootings as a significant source of stress. Another stress-inducing factor is social media, which can be a double-edged sword. A 2021 study focusing on 10 to 17-year-olds found a relationship between problematic social media use and challenges with impulse control, difficulties with goal-oriented behavior, procrastination, and stress. Another source of stress for Gen Z is the climate crisis, since they are inheriting a world afflicted by unprecedented pollution and environmental change.
Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author of iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood (2017), profiles Gen Z across a series of “I” words: “Internet, No In-Person, Insecure, Irreligious, Insulated, Indefinite, Inclusive, and Independent.” In her book, she details how factors like insecurity as a mental health crisis, income instability, gender and race issues, long distance relationships, and politics are negatively affecting the generation.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. A report by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation highlighted predictions of happiness for Generation Z. These include finding a sense of purpose in school and work, fostering positive social connections, and having enough time to sleep and relax.
I feel Gen Z is extremely resilient and can overcome these challenges. After all of the obstacles we have faced as a generation, I think it’s fair to say that we have done well so far and everyone should be proud of themselves. We’re learning, adapting, and healing, which stands as a testament to our resilience.
