Gen Z Faces Rising Anxiety And Identity Crisis Amid Excessive Digital Connectedness

The Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, have been brought up with smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence (AI) and unlimited access to the internet. Communication, opportunities and information are accessible at an unimaginable speed. In addition to these transformations, mental health practitioners in different countries are registering a gradually increasing trend in emotional and psychological issues among the youth.

The challenges, according to Professor Amod Sachan, are a manifestation of larger imbalances in modern life, not just any isolated mental illness. He characterises Gen Z as more information stimulated and less attached to inner awareness and emotional stability.

Surging Mental Health Pressures in a Digital Age

According to clinical observations and surveys, Gen Z has a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleeping problems, and attention problems than previous generations did. Sustained stress is caused by academic pressure, frequent evaluations, career insecurity, and financial instability. Longer screen time also has an impact on sleep quality and concentration.

Sachan describes how social media influences emotional health. Online platforms promote the idea of constant comparison, in which self-worth is frequently pegged against likes, comments and number of followers. Emotional balance is more difficult to sustain when external responses are predominantly used as a source of validation.

Forming Identity in a Performative Culture

Confusion of identity has been a major problem for most Gen Z individuals. Digital platforms allow people to introduce carefully curated versions of themselves. In the long run, this may undermine the relationship between the appearance and the inner self.

Sachan observes that most of the youths have mastered managing their online presence, and do not comprehend their values, beliefs and sense of self. Such a gap may result in confusion, insecurity and emotional exhaustion.

The Search for Purpose and Direction

Although education is available, there is access to technology and the world, many youths have cited a lack of direction. The definition of success is often in terms of degrees, salary packages, and status. Less attention is usually given to emotional fulfilment and meaning.

Sachan identifies this state as success without self-fulfilment. External goals can be achieved, but an inner sense of direction or satisfaction is something ambiguous to many.

The Mind and Body Imbalance

The way of life in the modern world has broken the natural balance between mental and physical health. Sleep disorders, lack of physical exercise, unhealthy eating habits and over-stimulation of the mind are becoming rampant. These trends over time lead to fatigue, stress and physical discomfort.

Sachan finds the relationship between mental and physical health to be very close, as emotional strain that remains unresolved usually reflects as physical symptoms.

Meditation and Emotional Consciousness

Meditation is a real way of gaining emotional awareness and re-establishing balance, advises Sachan. It assists people to look into their thoughts, to control emotions and reconnect with the body. Instead of avoiding day-to-day duties, meditation helps one think more clearly and have emotional strength.