Gen Z(apped): How Is Social Media & Tech Affecting Their Mental Health?

I am, as the internet calls me, a peak millennial. As a teenager, I watched the rise of social media, understood it, and observed Instagram and Facebook evolve into entirely different worlds over the last decade. There are days when a 30-second reel inspires me to organise my entire bookcase into a rainbow, but that’s the extent of it.

I asked my Generation Z (Gen Z for short) friends, or younglings, as I call them, about how social media was affecting their mental health. It was like opening Pandora’s box. Upali Saha, 26, and Surabhi Shukla, 25, took turns explaining how social media made them anxious. “The looming fear of watching yet another person get married or achieve things is too much,” said Upali. Surabhi added, “It makes me feel sad when I see other people my age or younger having a good time and going on vacations, whereas I am just living ‘day to day’. I am inspired by the heartwarming things I see online, though."

My conclusion was that social media and Gen Z are a conundrum in themselves, but there is more to this than meets the eye.

One in three individuals aged 18-24 now indicate symptoms suggesting they have a prevalent mental health issue like anxiety or depression, up from one in four in 2000, according to a report by The Guardian. This data stems from a three-year study conducted by the think tank Resolution Foundation.

Mranali Singh, a counselling psychologist, believes that Gen Z’s mental health situation is “complex and multifaceted”. She further explained that “While it's challenging to generalise, several factors like societal expectations and the pervasive influence of social media contribute to their mental health landscape. A study published by JAMA Pediatrics by Primack, B.A. et al., 2017, noted that increased social media use among adolescents was associated with higher levels of perceived social isolation, which in turn predicted poorer mental health outcomes.” 

So while this particular generation is more aware and in tune with what is going on in the world and within themselves, their mental health is a labyrinth that, often, gets sucked up into the world of likes, shares, reels, and (virtual) stories.

Gen Z members devote a minimum of an hour daily to social media, accessing it several times throughout the day. They are more likely than other generations to use digital wellness apps and mental health programs. According to McKinsey Health Institute’s survey, while Gen Z's social media engagement can feel negative, it also helps them find mental health support and connectivity.

Shaurya Gahlawat, a mental health therapist, interestingly chose social media to speak about Gen Z and their relationship with social media. Her reel titled ‘Gen Z and social media’ used the example of a recent Netflix movie, ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’, that perfectly sliced open the world of Gen Z, millennials, and social media. Shaurya believes that “Social media platforms often present filtered and curated versions of reality. Individuals might showcase the highlights of their lives, contributing to the distorted perception that everyone else is leading more successful or happier lives,” In other words, as she rightly points out via her reel, we really never know if the grass is greener on the other side. 

Shaurya's point of view as a mental health professional is that technology and this world of constant digital connectivity and exposure are both a bane and a boon. “Gen Z knows the importance of mental health, setting boundaries, and taking a stand, but that is also what gives them the tag of being lazy and selfish. They are constantly comparing and worrying. The best part, though, is their relentless effort to take care of their health, which is commendable.”

In my discussions with Gen Z peers, I've noticed a trend where many self-diagnose based on symptoms they perceive, often without consulting a psychologist or therapist. Psychologist and founder of The Thought Co, Priyanka Kartari Verma, delves deeper into this phenomenon, noting that social media encourages quick diagnoses. She explains how terms like ‘gaslighting,’ ‘breadcrumbing,’ and ‘ghosting’ have become commonplace, and many individuals delve into studying attachment styles, anxiety, and depression without recognising these as genuine psychiatric conditions. This trend can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of empathy towards those who do have clinically diagnosed conditions. Among Gen Z, common challenges include procrastination, fear of failure, fear of judgement, and feelings of loneliness.

So, with constant screen time and their minds floating into the world of FOMO (fear of missing out) and JOMO (joy of missing out) hashtags, what can Gen Z possibly do? Mranali tells us the best ways for them to cope:

1. Establishing tech-free zones/times and setting boundaries
2. Encouraging open communication about online experiences and underlying needs/beliefs
3. Psychoeducation about the importance of digital detox and self-care
4. Exploring therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices
5. Utilising resources like mental health support groups and other offline networks

As a peak millennial, I am yet to understand the inner workings of Gen Z although I often find myself taking a leaf out of their book on boundary setting and understanding work-life balance. They are surfing a wave of hashtags and reels that shape both their virtual and real worlds. From battling FOMO to embracing JOMO, this generation navigates a digital landscape where likes and shares paint a picture-perfect facade of everyone else's lives. But beyond the filters and curated feeds lies a labyrinth of mental health challenges where comparison and connectivity often collide.

And as we all, millennials and everyone else, swipe and scroll our way forward, Gen Z reminds us that amidst the chaos of social media, self-care and community support are the ultimate things we all strive for.

Technology has intensified social comparison and anxiety among Gen Z, impacting their mental health significantly.

Gen Z commonly faces anxiety, depression, cognitive issues, and feelings of isolation due to excessive social media use and digital pressures. They struggle most with navigating constant connectivity, FOMO, and maintaining authentic relationships in a digital age.

Positive aspects of technology for Gen Z’s mental health include access to mental health resources, online support communities, and tools for self-expression and creativity. 

Common signs of mental health issues in Gen Z related to technology use include sleep disturbances, decreased academic performance, and heightened stress levels from digital interactions.