Yes, data suggests Gen Z experiences significantly higher rates of depression and mental health issues compared to previous generations, often linked to excessive technology use, social media comparison, academic pressure, and major world events, with studies showing increased loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in this demographic.
Mental health is still a big issue for Gen Z. They're the most likely generation to say they're prone to anxiety (28% say this) and to report that social media stresses them out (18% say this). Since 2020, there's been a 25% rise in Gen Z reporting a mental health condition.
Depression prevalence varies by age, and the total percentage of adults with depression is the highest among those aged 18–29 years old (Villarroel and Terlizzi, 2020).
“About three quarters (73%) of Gen Z describe themselves as very happy or somewhat happy,” according to a 2024 report published by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation. “However, this percentage declines significantly as Gen Z reaches adulthood, alongside many of the factors that coincide with happiness.”
Beyond job security, Gen Z also has to grapple with the impending threat of climate change. Growing up amid constant news of wildfires, floods and rising global temperatures, many young people feel a sense of nihilism that is driven by the media they consume and their experiences in the real world.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
Recent research shows that members of the Baby Boomer generation have worse health than previous generations did at the same ages—diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses are more common.
Yes, "Gen Zers" (or "Gen Z-ers") is a correct and widely used informal term for people in Generation Z, following the pattern of "Gen Xers" and "Millennials" (Gen Yers), though "Zoomers" is also a popular alternative, and "members of Gen Z" is more formal.
Across much of the world, it is no longer middle-aged adults who are the most miserable. Instead, young people, especially Gen Z, are reporting the highest levels of unhappiness of any age group.
Unhappiness is hill-shaped in age and the average age where the maximum occurs is 49 with or without controls. There is an unhappiness curve. I document hump or hill shapes in age in various measures of unhappiness in many countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together". The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.
Depression prevalence decreased with increasing age. Overall, prevalence was highest in adolescents ages 12–19 (19.2%) and lowest in adults age 60 and older (8.7%). A similar trend was observed in females, where depression decreased from 26.5% among those ages 12–19 to 10.6% among those age 60 and older.
Bae – Boyfriend or girlfriend.
Gen Z are typically self-driven, collaborative, and diverse-minded. They value flexibility, authenticity, and a pragmatic approach to addressing problems. Gen Z are misunderstood. Contrary to stereotypes of being “lazy” or “coddled,” Gen Z is entrepreneurial and adaptive.
Older members of Gen Z leaned progressive while younger members were more conservative, particularly in the United States. Movements associated with Gen Z so far include fourth-wave feminism, School Strike for Climate, March for Our Lives, Students Against Discrimination and Pro-Palestine movement.
For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji usually means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or heartwarming, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally moved, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji for intense amusement. It's used for exaggerated, positive reactions to things like relatable humor, adorable pets, or touching moments.
The observed age pattern for daily stress was remarkably strong: stress was relatively high from age 20 through 50, followed by a precipitous decline through age 70 and beyond.
46% of Gen Z workers, 37% of Millennials, and 25% of Gen X said they would likely quit due to limited growth or upskilling opportunities.
Donald Trump, born in June 1946, falls squarely into the Baby Boomer generation (typically 1946-1964) as one of the first individuals in that cohort, while President Joe Biden, born in 1942, is a member of the preceding Silent Generation (roughly 1928-1946). Trump's birth year places him at the very beginning of the Baby Boom era, making him a Boomer, not Silent Generation.
Gen Z slang for "cool" includes slay, fire, lit, dope, gas, Gucci, and slaps, often used to describe something amazing, trendy, or excellent, with variations like "it's giving" for a vibe or "aura" for natural coolness, though usage evolves quickly with trends like bussin or no cap for something impressive.
Those whose names were in the firing line did their best to provide alternatives, but despite impassioned pleas for Ashley, Jennifer and even Lisa, one name has now emerged victorious. The modern “Karen” is officially – according to certain corners of the internet, at any rate – Jessica.
Some consider millennials to be one of the heaviest generations. In the U.K., researchers found at least seven in 10 people born in the millennial generations will be overweight or obese before they reach middle age. Baby boomers only faced rates of five in 10.
“Often referred to as the 'unluckiest generation,”millennials have had to adapt to rising costs of living and an unpredictable job market during their most formative career years.