One in four Gen Z respondents reported feeling more emotionally distressed (25 percent), almost double the levels reported by millennial and Gen X respondents (13 percent each), and more than triple the levels reported by baby boomer respondents (8 percent).
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has little to no memory of a world without the internet, smartphones, and social media. Technology is a substantial part of their life. Being continually connected can also result in self-esteem issues and feeling pressure to conform.
The study, which was conducted by Michigan State University, and published in the journal Psychology and Aging, has found that Baby Boomers, are in fact more sensitive than Millennials!
Generation Z can experience negative emotions such as anxiety, strangeness, and panic when absent from one's device or experience feelings of being afraid due to not knowing what everyone else is doing (Vincent, 2006).
Gen Z also faces an unprecedented behavioral health crisis: US Gen Zers surveyed by McKinsey report the least positive outlook and the highest prevalence of mental illness of any generation, and European respondents report struggling with self-stigma.
Gen Z (42%) is about twice as likely as Americans over 25 (23%) to battle depression and feelings of hopelessness.
1. Anxiety and depression: Gen Z experiences high rates of anxiety and depression due to academic pressures, social media comparisons, economic uncertainty, and other stressors.
According to the Cigna study, 39% say worries about money are a major cause of stress. In addition, according to a study by DailyPay and Harris Poll, 48% say they are unable to move out of their parents' homes due to financial challenges, and 33% are concerned inflation will make it tough for them to buy a home.
Millennials (and the kids born after them) are currently being called the “unhealthiest generation” in human history—facing diagnoses, mysterious illnesses and conditions that our ancestors or their parents never faced.
It found that, while there are similar rates of happiness across the older three generations, Gen Z is by far the least happy at work. Twenty-six percent of Gen Zers were unhappy in their jobs, and 17% were actively thinking about quitting.
While Generation Z has been called the most depressed generation, members of this group are more likely than their older peers to seek out mental health counseling or therapy.
Gen Z and the Loneliness Epidemic
Business Insider's research further reveals that 60% of Gen Z has felt the grip of loneliness within the past year. Additionally, an alarming 30% of young people confess they are unsure how to make new friends (Vice, 2022), heightening their feelings of isolation.
Social media and technology use are major contributors to Gen Z depression. While technology has many advantages, it can also be a source of anxiety and stress. Excessive social media use has been linked to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression, according to research.
According to Cigna International Health's 2023 survey of almost 12,000 workers around the world, 91% of 18-to-24-year-olds report being stressed – compared to 84% on average. Research indicates Gen Z are emerging as the most stressed demographic in the workplace, and struggling mightily to cope.
Social media use is high for Gen Zs, and rose during the socially-isolated periods, because it was the only way to stay connected. And studies are finding that increased use of social media can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image and loneliness.
Managers said they struggle with Generation Z workers for other reasons: Lack of motivation. Lack of productivity. Poor communication skills. Short attention span.
Among the things Generation Z cares about, racial and gender equality are at the top of the list. Gen Z is also concerned about climate change and the potential impacts their generation will have to deal with in the years to come.
One of the most common stereotypes surrounding Gen Z is their 'troubling obsession' with technology. While it's true that they are digital natives who have grown up with the internet and smartphones, you could argue that this is a tech evolution rather than a generational obsession.
According to Finder's Consumer Confidence Index, Gen Z saves an average of $857 per month, while millennials save $294. Gen Z also has an average of $10,062 in savings compared to $7,165 for millennials.
Millennials report the highest average stress level of all generations overall (5.7 on a scale of 1 to 10). Their stress levels are also high when thinking about the current state of our nation (5.6 on the 1 to 10 scale).
They're impulsive. Another weakness of Gen Z is that they can be quite impulsive. With instant gratification being so easily accessible, this generation has difficulty waiting for anything. They want what they want and they want it now!
Gen Z and mental health. Regarding the stats, it's clear that Gen Z is struggling. A 2022 survey of Gen Z young adults (ages 19 through 24) found that 42% are diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Researchers say younger generations deal with an ongoing wealth inequality. They see senior executives get bonuses and higher wages, while average worker wages remain stagnant. In a 2023 Deloitte survey, nearly half of Gen Zs and four in 10 millennials said they feel stressed all or most of the time.
In Gen Z slang term, “fire” means something is really amazing or cool. They also use it to express excitement or point out a new trend within their culture.