Generation Anxious

Young people today are facing a mental health crisis unlike any seen before. The transition into adulthood is a tumultuous time. Leaving the familiar comforts of education, entering the competitive job market, establishing financial independence, and building a new life away from family can be a daunting challenge.

Having to navigate this difficult transition in a time of polycrisis has exacerbated these issues to a level not experienced by generations past. From economic inequality, technological overload, international conflict, sprinkle in dash of climate crisis and COVID-19 then you’ve got the perfect storm for a generation that feels unheard, unseen and isolated.

The Influence of the Tech Boom

The initial key to understanding the youth of today lies in understanding our greatest influence…the digital age, dominated by the growth of technology and the internet.

Those born between the years of 1997–2012, commonly known as Gen-Z, have borne witness to some of the most impactful innovations this world has ever seen. From the advent of smartphones to the universal availability of home internet, and the explosion of tech giants like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Google. Gen Z has been immersed in tech from day one.

Unlike our parents and the generations before them, we did not get to see these innovations as…well… innovations. Instead, this was the norm. For Gen Z, screens have been the gateway to almost everything—whether it’s messaging friends, streaming videos, gaming, dating, eating, documenting our lives, or to even shaping our identities and beliefs.

These initial novelties of invention quickly became hobbies and these hobbies evolved into full blown dependencies. As a generation we’ve become deeply attached to our smartphones, video games, and online content. Often turning to fleeting distractions, like social media and short-term pleasures, as an escape from the trials and tribulations of our realities. Many now spend almost all day on their phones, driven by the allure of short-form content, dopamine hits, and addictive algorithms.

Furthermore, the rise of social media has fostered a culture where building an online persona and seeking validation has become the norm. Young people today feel the pressure to curate lives that appear perfect online despite any struggles they may be going through behind the digital curtain.

Unfortunately, this constant connection that the tech boom has brought with it has severely impacted the attention spans of many (even as I write this, I find myself battling the urge to check my phone every few minutes). The inability to engage in everyday tasks—like walking, socialising, or relaxing—without constant digital stimulation describes a new phenomenon known as “brain rot”.  

If you’re a frequent user of popular social media platforms such as Reddit, Tik Tok or YouTube you’ll probably already know what this means (you probably have it too). It’s as if the constant stream of stimuli is slowly eroding the brain’s ability to focus and engage deeply.

Studies are starting to reveal the detrimental effects that our screens can have on young minds. With effects like impared memory, reduced focus, and weakend problem-solving skills becoming more apparent. This constant digital stimulation can even have emotional and psychological consequences. As technology becomes ever more embedded in our lives, understanding these effects on next generation is crucial - because it's not just about being entertained; it's preserving the the ability to think, feel and connect in real life.

It's truly remarkable that despite the technological advancements that have made it easier than ever to connect with others, many people my age have never felt lonelier. For me, the pandemic really magnified this issue and highlighted the limitations of digital connections and the importance of face-to-face interactions for our mental well-being. While technology can be a valuable tool for staying connected, it cannot replace the benefits of in-person relationships.

The Lasting Effects of the Pandemic

For many young people the pandemic arrived at a detrimental phase of life characterised by profound cognitive, biological, and psychosocial changes. During this time, young people are striving to establish their identities, develop relationships and life skills, obtain education and career training, and gain increasing autonomy. Coincidentally, this is also a particularly vulnerable time, with approximately 75% of mental illnesses emerging before the age of 24.

Therefore, it’s critical that they have the support, resources and opportunities to thrive during this period.

Unfortunately for many, COVID-19 caused significant disruption and strain during this pivotal phase leading to a myriad of challenges that no one was really prepared for.

The virus raged and raced through the globe while we were barricaded in our homes as is it was some form of glorified solitary confinement. This unprecedented situation led to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness. Gen Z, in particular, was disproportionately affected, facing disruptions to their education, job prospects, and social connections. Research has shown that this period led to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and smartphone addiction, effects that continue to play out in the post-pandemic world.

The pandemic exacerbated an already concerning trend in mental health among young people. With over 1 in 3 young people aged 18-24 reporting symptoms that indicated they were experiencing a common mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. This represents a significant increase since 2000 when less than 1 in 4 reported these problems. As a result, it’s no surprise that more than half a million 18-24-year-olds were prescribed antidepressants in 2021-22.

Some Perspective

Imagine now you’ve just come out of lockdown restrictions, people are allowed outside again, and normal service has resumed. Even better, against all odds you’ve got a degree and even managed to find a job. Surely life should be on an upward trajectory right...right?

Well...no you still wouldn’t be able to afford a house. With rents that are ridiculously high and house prices now a staggering 7 times the median salary, it’s left the young adults of this generation having to live with their parents as it’s not even feasible to move out. And with this, the pressure to buy a home, which has long been seen as a marker of success in society, has caused an increased sense of inadequacy, as this goal seems unattainable for many.

A lot of young people don’t even have real dreams anymore. 9 in 10 young people prioritise financial security over traditional goals like landing a dream job or homeownership, further highlighting the overwhelming pressure they face to meet basic needs.

Now despite going to school, staying out of trouble, and getting job, imagine being told that the reason you can’t afford to buy house or live somewhat comfortably is because of your £10 monthly Netflix subscription. It’s completely laughable.

It’s no surprise that this generation is fed up. After being told from a young age to follow a system that repeatedly fails us, why would we listen? Why should anyone care about breaking addictions or bad habits when they’re constantly bombarded constant fearmongering about WW3, the climate crisis, or the rising cost of living? This is why young people in general refuse to buy into the idea of working for decades only to still be unable to afford a decent life. The norms that worked for previous generations have crumbled by the time they reached us.

Yet, despite the chaos, we’re not blind to the global issues splashed across our TV screens, laptops, and phones. In fact, we’re on track to become the most educated generation in history. We’re not ignorant—we’ve just stopped pretending to care about a system that’s clearly broken. Young people today stand at the forefront of a cultural revolution, watching the collapse of traditions that once shaped society. With those at the top consistently putting young people at a disadvantage, from our perspective, the future looks bleak. Our systems are inflexible, they discriminate against our unique needs, and they fail to consider our long-term well-being. When you take all of this into account, can you really blame the younger generations for staying glued to the screens that have raised us?

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