We’ve reached a point where global and economic uncertainty is the new norm. Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, changing the way we interact with the world. Social comparisons and pressures are relentless, causing somewhat unnecessary stress.
Generation Z is in a unique position. This group of young adults consists of anyone born from 1997 to the early 2010s. They’re the first generation to be fully on the other side of the technology burst. They don’t know a time before the digital era. Since they were young, they have been constantly connected, resulting in a feeling of being overwhelmed in some capacity as they grew up.
This type of childhood environment has led to a rise in anxiety in young people. Gen Z faces it from many different avenues, and because of this connectivity, has a difficult time escaping it.
Digital Overload
Gen Z has not known a time when there wasn’t this advanced digital world. For as long as they can remember, they’ve been “on” with little to no way to disconnect and recharge.
Unfortunately, the brain isn’t made to process this much information on the never-ending loop Gen Z experiences. It needs periods of downtime to recover and reset.
Studies are also now showing that the increased use of AI tools is decreasing brain function. The constant blue light exposure from the devices is interrupting sleep and causing increased eye strain. In some ways, the digital age is causing a deterioration.
Social Media Pressures
A large part of the digital age is a reliance on social media for validation, fulfillment, and entertainment. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok are all tools for sharing information, staying connected, and keeping up on trends.
The downside of the social media platforms that they rely on so heavily is that they can spark mental health challenges. Constantly comparing themselves to their peers and celebrities can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. Seeing what other people are doing, things they may not be in the position to do, can lead to this fear of missing out or an increase in pressure to have the same lifestyle regardless of financial or other restrictions.
Global Uncertainty
Those falling in the Gen Z group have grown up in a period of chaos and crisis. For example, they’ve been taught to care about the climate crisis, but are given few tools to actually create positive change.
There has been consistent economic turmoil, with the cost of living rising at a rapid pace, but the average wages have not quite kept up. We also lived through a pandemic that completely changed the way academic and work life operate. And no one can overlook the polarized and aggressive political tension in the country.
Any one of these is enough to create anxiety, but together, it’s almost a given.
Growing Academic and Professional Pressures
With each new generation, there’s a greater push on the academic front. They need to excel academically and get into a good school, or they won’t have success and the “perfect” career. They also need to do this at a younger age than ever before.
Once they’re making it into their career paths and getting established, there’s constant pressure to hustle and grind. Plus, the job market seems to be constantly shifting. These pressures are a lot to deal with, especially when there aren’t readily available tools to help cope with stress.
Navigating Through the Anxiety
Every generation has had to face its own specific life events and stressors. For Gen Z, there have been many hurdles making it hard to escape the pressure and anxiety.
If you or someone you know appears to be in a constant battle, anxiety therapy is worth exploring. Together, we can identify the root cause of anxiety and establish healthy coping mechanisms. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consult to get started.
