Gen Z is experiencing a “loneliness epidemic.”
A report from Cigna found that young adults are much more likely to experience loneliness than the generations before them. A staggering 79 percent of Gen Zers reported feeling lonely, compared to 71 percent of Millennials and 50 percent of Boomers.
There are a few factors contributing to their loneliness. For one, the pandemic forced all of us to be isolated, but in the two years since, many adults have been able to reestablish social norms and engage with people more easily. Younger adults, however, might have missed out on a fundamental time in their youth to create meaningful face-to-face connections. Because of this, many reported they have a harder time creating friendships coming out of the pandemic.
Another issue is the shift towards digital connections, rather than face–to–face interactions. The study found that young people are more likely to reach out to friends and family over the phone, rather than in–person. While technology can help keep everyone connected, it’s hard to replicate the emotional intimacy of being face-to-face. Even though it may seem like you’re connected through a text message, that feeling of loneliness can still linger.
The digital age has been a part of life for the newest generation of young adults since their earliest days, making it all the more difficult for them to escape the feeling of isolation. With this understanding, it’s all the more important to take the time to disconnect, go outside and make meaningful connections with those around them.
