Gen Z Loneliness: Although loneliness is usually a natural stage of life, when it becomes a constant, it becomes a concern. Generation Z is the most digitized generation we know, but could it be that this hyper-connectivity is what has brought them an overwhelming sense of loneliness?
Gen Z Loneliness: The Silent Killer
According to Forbes magazine, “73% of young people belonging to generation Z say they feel lonely sometimes and/or almost always” and this has turned out to be concerning. Many have studied the issue from different perspectives, but no one has been able to give an exact reason for this phenomenon of loneliness that Generation Z faces.
On Gen Z loneliness, Forbes magazine has also talked about how “loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day“. The data is frightening, but what are the possible reasons for this loneliness? Why are we more prone to it?
Impact Of Social Media On Gen Z Loneliness
Gen Z is a generation highly connected to social networks. While this connectivity seemed to be positive from a social standpoint, it has been quite the opposite. Their screen time exceeds 8 hours and limits their social interactions.
Social networks did not necessarily come to unite us but, rather, have been a way to create few social skills in the young people of this generation. Social media addiction is one of the major causes of Gen Z loneliness.
Also Read: How To Do A Digital Detox Amid TikTok Ban In US: 7 Proven Tips
Mental Health Issues In Gen Z
On the other hand, Gen Z has been classified as one of the most anxious generations. Within this generation, many cases of social anxiety are found that allow young people to isolate themselves and have fewer social interactions for fear of being judged by others. This has limited the way in which they have social interactions and, along with social media, has reduced the social skills they had a few years ago.
The Pandemic And Its Impact On Gen Z
Although there was already a predisposition to loneliness in this generation, it is important to mention the pandemic as a factor that increased this problem in young people. For several years, social interactions were limited to social media and the fear of going out because of the virus caused many young people to see their home as a safe place, leaving aside interactions with others. This, in turn, led to part of what we know as this Generation Z loneliness epidemic.
Read More: Third Spaces: How To Connect In A Disconnected World?
