Akash Kumar
In the annals of history, the generations that came before us are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to hard work and their unwavering resolve in the face of countless challenges. From the indomitable “Silent Generation,” who withstood the Great Depression and World War II, to the socially conscious “baby boomer generation,” who fought passionately for civil rights, and “Generation X,” who confronted economic disparities and the AIDS epidemic, each of these generations has left an indelible mark on society.
Stepping into this rich legacy, “Generation Y,” or “millennials,” emerged between 1981 and 1996. They enjoyed an improved living environment, made possible by the sacrifices of their predecessors, which in turn fostered ambition and a willingness to take risks. Consequently, they became champions of innovative thinking, diligent labor, and brought about monumental changes in an astonishingly short time.
However, the world inherited by “Generation Z,” encompassing those born between 1997 and 2012, stands in stark contrast to that of their predecessors. With enhanced human rights and technological advancements, life has grown notably more comfortable and convenient. Nevertheless, despite these advancements, Generation Z grapples with a myriad of physical and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and obesity.
It is striking to note that Generation Z is now regarded by experts as one of the most depressed generations. Astonishingly, around 70% of Generation Z experiences some form of depression or anxiety, as reported by the Pew Research Center. The coexistence of substantial societal progress and the high prevalence of these issues raises thought-provoking questions about the origins of their struggles.
A fundamental element of a fulfilling life is the presence of a clear sense of purpose. A well-defined purpose not only guides decision-making but also shapes aspirations, offers direction, and infuses life with meaning. For many individuals, this purpose is found in their work, fulfilling familial obligations, or through their religious beliefs.
Ironically, Generation Z appears to be grappling with a sense of aimlessness-a significant departure from previous generations. The causes behind this phenomenon are multifaceted, including the phenomenon of digital overload. The internet has made information instantly accessible, inundating individuals with a multitude of answers to their questions, often leading to indecision.
Termed “digital natives,” Generation Z grew up in the age of the internet, spending the majority of their time in a hyper-connected digital world. Remarkably, 54% of Generation Z dedicates an average of four hours daily to online activities, with approximately 38% dedicating even more time. This continuous exposure to conflicting information has given rise to what experts have termed a “Nihilist Attitude,” causing many in this generation to feel estranged from reality and perceive life as devoid of meaning.
Nihilism, a philosophy first introduced by Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi, asserts that life lacks inherent meaning, rendering religious and moral principles inconsequential. The perpetual exposure to diverse aspects of reality through digital media often renders actual reality hollow in the eyes of Generation Z. The act of comparing their lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others on social media platforms further intensifies their feelings of purposelessness.
Furthermore, this digital inundation prevents Generation Z from making productive use of their time. The absence of religious beliefs also contributes to their sense of purposelessness, with approximately 18% of Generation Z identifying as atheists or agnostics. Traditionally, religion has provided individuals with ethical and moral values and offered a framework for comprehending the world. The vacuum created by the absence of these beliefs has given rise to feelings of purposelessness.
Depression and mental health issues have experienced a surge within Generation Z. Alarmingly, around 18.8% of high school students in this generation report having had suicidal thoughts. The overuse of technology plays a pivotal role in rendering their lives devoid of meaning and triggering depressive episodes. Unlike preceding generations, which spent leisure hours outdoors or engaged in face-to-face interactions, Generation Z dedicates the majority of their time to social media platforms.
Ironically, these platforms, initially designed to connect people, often serve to isolate individuals from one another. Moreover, Generation Z’s preference for online gaming over outdoor physical activities has had a detrimental impact on their mental well-being. Laziness, exacerbated by the convenience of online activities, amplifies the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and physical health problems.
Societal pressures and expectations represent another primary source of depression within Generation Z. As educational opportunities have multiplied, academic competition has intensified, leading to increasingly selective college admissions processes. Entrance exams have become progressively challenging, resulting in heightened stress and anxiety. Moreover, the societal insistence on securing high-paying, prestigious jobs compounds their distress.
Financial insecurity looms large for Generation Z. Global unemployment rates have surged due to population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately impacting Generation Z. Presently, two billion individuals worldwide fall within the Generation Z age range, constituting approximately 30% of the global workforce by 2025. Generation Z grapples with double the unemployment rate of previous generations.
Furthermore, a significant portion of Generation Z works as gig workers, functioning independently for multiple employers without job security. While gig work offers flexibility, it lacks the stability and benefits of traditional full-time employment, exacerbating their financial instability. Ongoing job automation and advances in artificial intelligence further threaten job security for Generation Z.
The excessive use of technology has also eroded their cognitive skills, impeding the development of essential soft skills such as negotiation, networking, and public speaking. These skills are increasingly critical in today’s job market, and Generation Z is lagging in their acquisition. A survey revealed that roughly one-third of Generation Z believes they will never afford home ownership, with 50% feeling incapable of starting a family due to financial insecurity.
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, Generation Z possesses the potential to shape a brighter future. Their technological aptitude, creativity, and activism can be harnessed to overcome obstacles. Adaptation of lifestyles and habits, along with guidance from older generations, can enable Generation Z to find innovative solutions to financial difficulties. While every generation faces its share of challenges, resilience and collective efforts can empower Generation Z to navigate and conquer theirs successfully.
(The author is student of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Jammu).
