For all the progress that’s been made in the mental health movement, why does it seem that today’s young people are still the most anxious?
In countless studies, Gen Z is referred to as “the most anxious generation in history.” And the numbers back it up: anxiety, depression and loneliness have all spiked to unprecedented levels. The question is, why? What is it about the way Gen Z has grown up that makes them more prone to these mental health challenges?
For Gen Z, the digital world isn’t just a part of life; it’s the very fabric of their existence. They are the first generation to have grown up with smartphones, social media and the internet at their fingertips from an early age. While previous generations witnessed the birth of these technologies, Gen Z was born into them. This shift has profoundly altered the way they experience the world, often with unsettling consequences.
One of the most significant issues is the constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of life online. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat are flooded with images and stories that often portray an unrealistic version of reality. For many young people, this endless stream of perfection can lead to feelings of inadequacy, isolation and anxiety. When you’re constantly comparing yourself to others, it’s easy to feel like you’re never enough.
Moreover, the digital age has given rise to what some might call the “anxiety economy.” Social media platforms are designed to capture and hold users’ attention, and the most effective way to do that is by playing on their fears and insecurities. For Gen Z, this means a barrage of content that feeds into their anxieties — whether it’s about their appearance, their future or their social status. This creates a vicious cycle where anxiety drives engagement, and engagement drives more anxiety.
But technology isn’t the only factor at play. Changes in parenting styles and education have also contributed to Gen Z’s anxiety epidemic. Many young people today have been raised in an environment where failure, disappointment and risk are to be avoided at all costs. This overprotective approach, while well-intentioned, has had some unintended consequences.
In previous generations, children were often given more freedom to explore, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. They climbed trees, rode bikes without helmets, and figured out how to navigate the world with minimal adult intervention. But for Gen Z, childhood has become more structured, more supervised, and more sheltered. Playdates are scheduled, playgrounds are padded, and failure is something to be feared rather than embraced.
This lack of exposure to real-world challenges has stunted the development of resilience—a crucial trait for managing anxiety and stress. When young people are shielded from every potential harm, they may struggle to cope with the inevitable difficulties and uncertainties of adult life.
In schools, the emphasis on emotional safety has led to the creation of “safe spaces” and the use of trigger warnings, which, while intended to protect students, may inadvertently reinforce anxiety. By insulating young people from discomfort, these measures can make them more sensitive to it, perpetuating the cycle of anxiety.
Another factor contributing to Gen Z’s anxiety is the overwhelming array of choices they face in nearly every aspect of life. Whether it’s what to study, where to work, who to date, or how to present themselves online, today’s young people are bombarded with options. While choice is often seen as a good thing, too many options can lead to paralysis, self-doubt, and anxiety.
For Gen Z, the pressure to make the “right” choices is immense. They feel the need to optimize every decision, often without clear guidance or a sense of direction. Social media exacerbates this pressure by constantly reminding them of what others are doing — traveling the world, starting businesses, achieving success at a young age. The FOMO is real, and it can leave many young people feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their future.
This anxiety is further compounded by the sense that the stakes are higher than ever. Economic instability, climate change and political polarization loom large on the horizon, making the future feel uncertain and, at times, bleak. For a generation that’s been taught to strive for perfection, the weight of these challenges can be crushing.
So, what can be done to help Gen Z navigate the anxiety that seems to define their generation? The answer lies in rebuilding resilience — not by throwing young people into the deep end without support, but by finding a balance between protection and challenge.
One way to do this is through a return to “free-range” parenting, where children are given more opportunities to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. This doesn’t mean neglecting their safety, but rather allowing them to encounter and overcome challenges on their own terms.
In education, there needs to be a shift away from prioritizing emotional comfort over intellectual challenge. Schools should focus on equipping students with the tools they need to manage discomfort and uncertainty, rather than shielding them from it. This means encouraging critical thinking, fostering open dialogue, and teaching young people how to navigate a world that’s often unpredictable.
On a broader level, society as a whole needs to reconsider its relationship with technology, particularly social media. While it’s unrealistic to expect young people to disconnect entirely, there should be more emphasis on digital literacy — teaching them how to engage with online content in a healthy, balanced way. This could involve setting boundaries around screen time, promoting offline activities, and encouraging face-to-face interactions.
Gen Z is a generation at a crossroads. They are growing up in a world that’s more connected, more complex and more demanding than ever before. The challenges they face are real, but so too are the opportunities. By understanding the factors that contribute to their anxiety and taking steps to address them, we can help this generation build the resilience they need to thrive.
The most anxious generation doesn’t have to remain that way. With the right support, tools, and mindset, Gen Z can learn to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. The future is uncertain, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. For Gen Z, the path forward is one of growth, learning, and ultimately, hope.
