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Writer's pictureSidharth Singh

Unpacking the Hype Around Why is Gen Z mentally so disturbed?

A generation jiske Elvish bhai ke aage koi bol sakta hai nhi kyu ki lappu se Sachin ko bolna aata nhi or comment mai inhe soo elegant!! soo beautiful!! just looking like a wow!! likhne se fhursat milti nhi, Samaj nhi ane per Aayein! Aayein! bol kar moye moye ho jate hai!! or ye sab likh ke maine Gen Z ko uski Aukat dikha di…. NO CAP.

Now that I have grabbed your attention let's go seriously into the topic.


Generation Z, or Gen Z, generally refers to the group of people born in the mid-1990s to the early 2010s. They're known for growing up in a world filled with smartphones, the internet, and social media. This generation values diversity, cares about social and environmental issues, and often shows an entrepreneurial spirit. But while writing and understanding Generation Z, I strictly kept in mind that this requires a nuanced perspective. I must avoid broad generalizations, as mental health is a complex, individual experience shaped and emphasized by diverse factors like social, economic, cultural, and personal influences. While certain individuals in Gen Z may face mental health challenges, it's inaccurate to apply these struggles universally to the entire generation.


It's critical to handle this subject delicately, acknowledging each person's individuality and distinct experiences rather than imposing a universal narrative. I believe the following elements are practically lowering Gen Z's standard of living:


1. We all are slaves: We humans are all the same; every last one of us is a slave to something. For some people, it’s drinking (alcohol), for others, it’s women, for some, it’s social media engagement, for some, it's power, and for some, it's even religion, family, the king, the government, dreams, and children. If you think I'm not one of them, think again. That's right, my friend, you are "the slave of freedom," a slave to slaves. All of us had to spend our lives drunk on something, or else we’d have no reason to keep pushing on or to keep moving forward. But the problem is not being a slave to something; the real problem is being a slave to things that are not even worth your time. After giving everything we own to someone or something, we eventually realize that it's not really what makes us happy, which exacerbates our anxiety and casts doubt on our ability to make wise decisions. This brings me to my next point: we should always have a "long-term perspective" and concentrate on things that ultimately make us happy rather than just pleasing our senses.



2. Short-term pleasure vs Long-term satisfaction: Within the complex web of human experience, the age-old argument between immediate gratification and lasting contentment assumes a central role. It's a story about decisions—a careful balancing act between the promise of long-term happiness and the temptation of instant gratification.

Selecting joy on the spur of the moment may make you happy for the moment, but long-term fulfillment takes perseverance and preparation. This investigation explores the intricacies of these choices, looking at how striking a balance between fleeting pleasures and long-term objectives affects our life's journey.


अटेंशन! अटेंशन! अटेंशन!
गाडी नंबर 12988 अजमेर - स्यालदाह अपने निर्धारित समय से 30 मिनट की देरी से आएगी!! असुविघा के लिए खेद है….
Alright, so my train got delayed by thirty minutes. Should I spend that time watching videos on YouTube / Reels on Instagram or just observe the beauty of nature? "There's a cute dog family in front of me," where the father visits the two puppies and their mother every five minutes to see if they are safe. Thinking to myself, I must be thankful that I also have people in my life who look out for me and cherish and safeguard them no matter what.
हटाओ ये सब !! Let me focus on Sandeep Maheshwari vs Vivek Bindra

The main issue with Gen Z, in my opinion, is that they are too reliant on this rapid emotional roller coaster, so much so that they no longer truly have control over their emotions. The notifications on their iPhones are in charge of them. Long-term fulfillment, however, requires a path of calculated decisions and unwavering dedication. It entails putting off pleasures for the time being in exchange for future benefits that will be far greater. It's an art to balance these opposing impulses; it takes reflection and a sophisticated sense of self.



3. All humans are homo sapiens: I am aware that as life progresses, things like position, authority, wealth, education, and physical prowess place us on a hierarchy or pedestal within our respective fields. However, things are exacerbated enormously in our generation due to the use of social media. Because everyone only shares their greatest moments on social media, everyone appears to be quite content there. These days, it's commonplace for Gen Zers to compare their experiences, accomplishments, and attractiveness to the supposedly perfect lives of their friends. This leads to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Oh my goodness, how can I not get FOMO when we're discussing comparisons? Gen Zers may get FOMO (fear of missing out) as a result of the frequent updates on social media regarding activities, get-togethers, and occasions. Then, this fear of missing out fuels our feelings of loneliness in social situations and discontent with our lives in general. The Instagram influencers you think have a cool life also promote fraudulent trading and betting apps for 1000 to 2000 dollars because they have to pay the EMIs on their iPhones or luxury cars they just brought to showcase you to earn more followers, and now they are stuck in a loop they can't get out of. Off-screen, each of us has our own struggles and flaws. So be grateful and thankful for what you have, because one's daily life is someone else's dream life.



4. The Productivity Scam: I'm not sure what this generation's obsession with productivity is. In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed world, there is growing concern about the potentially dehumanizing effects of an unwavering focus on efficiency. Overemphasis on productivity is unintentionally transforming people into heartless machines devoid of empathy and compassion. Dehumanization, burnout, strained relationships, and diminished creativity are all too common as a result of this mindset. the complexities of balancing productivity with the essential human qualities that make life rich and meaningful.

For example, Ali Abdal, a well-known productivity YouTuber, is literally creating a tutorial video on how to watch anime productively.







For those who don't know, the anime in the video is a famous anime called "Hunter x Hunter," which took 14 years to create. It is so disrespectful to the artist and their work to simply watch it for the sake of watching. if you don't want to "waste" your time and work around the clock every day. Then just don't watch it that way. However, this is only a simplified representation of where our generation is headed.



5. Ironic Idols: Role models have a significant impact on the lives of Generation Z (Gen Z) people, influencing their attitudes, behaviours, and aspirations in a variety of ways. Negative role models, on the other hand, can have a negative impact, leading to the adoption of unhealthy behaviours, distorted values, and misguided aspirations. The potential pitfalls of detrimental influences, such as the impact of toxic relationships, materialistic values, and unrealistic beauty standards, on the mental health and overall well-being of Gen Z. When there was an outburst on the Ranveer Dipika incident over coffee with Karan a few days ago, everyone started booing their relationship and how fake it was. But aren't they the same people who run hashtags for couple goals? Relationships are complicated and should be chosen with care, but the problem with Generation Z is that they only want to work in binary and see the world in the same way. We must recognize that in this world, there are various spectrums of the same thing. I'm not saying that having idols isn't important; it's the most important thing in shaping one's life. As a result, they should be wisely chosen. It could be your parents, partner, friend, God, or anyone else who inspires and helps you realise what your true dharma is.



6. Detachment from hobbies: In my experience as part of Generation Z, I've noticed a significant shift in our relationship with traditional hobbies. The pervasiveness of digital technology, combined with the relentless academic demands, has left little room for the activities that used to bring me joy and fulfilment. The allure of instant gratification via digital engagement frequently overshadows the slower, more immersive nature of hands-on activities. So, if drawing was your hobby, when was the last time you sat down and drew something? It's not just the screen in front of me; it's the overscheduled routines and academic pressures that leave me with little time for the activities that used to define my leisure. The pervasive influence of digital pastimes, combined with the ease of access to devices, has subtly steered our interests towards the virtual realm, distancing us from the tangible and time-consuming hobbies that once captivated us. Maintaining a sense of fulfilment and connection to activities that bring a deeper, more meaningful joy to my life becomes a personal endeavour.



7. Materialistic Magic: Our constant emphasis on materialistic pursuits has undoubtedly contributed to the mental difficulties we face. The influence of social media is undeniable, where success appears to be intricately linked to possessions and a seemingly perfect lifestyle (as discussed above). This constant exposure creates a comparison cycle, which leads to feelings of inadequacy and increased anxiety. The pursuit of online validation through likes and followers adds another layer of stress, as it links our self-worth to the possessions we display. As we face economic challenges such as student debt and an uncertain job market, the societal expectation of material success becomes a source of stress. The truth becomes clear when we recognise that material possessions do not always translate into long-term fulfilment. So shifting our narrative to prioritize holistic well-being over material wealth is essential.



8. Master the Mind: The majority of life's problems have their origins not in external circumstances, but in the intricate workings of our minds. Our perceptions, interpretations, and reactions to events can all have a big impact on how we deal with problems. Most of the time, it's just our overthinking, because no one has that much time to think about you while they're also going about their lives. Recognising that the majority of our problems reside in our minds empowers us to face challenges with a clearer perspective, resilience, and the ability to find solutions that may have eluded us while we were caught up in negative thought patterns. Ultimately, the mind has the potential to be both the architect of problems and the architect of solutions.



9. Being depressed is the new cool thing on the internet: It's become increasingly clear that distinguishing between loneliness, sadness, and depression is critical for fostering a genuine understanding of our emotional states. Your mood after a boy/girl doesn't respond to your texts isn't a depressed state. It's just sadness, a natural reaction to life's challenges that is an essential part of the human experience. However, it is common to misdiagnose transient sadness as depression. Depression, as a clinical condition, is defined by persistent feelings of hopelessness and significant changes in daily functioning.



10. Everything doesn't need to have 10 points, somethings are imperfectly perfect.



If you've made it this far, "pat yourself on the back" because you know how messed up our generation's attention span is. Regarding the answers to the aforementioned issues, I attempted to provide a succinct but informative solution. Since we are already surrounded by the people who matter most to us—"our family"—I believe that we are all already in the healing process. I won't advise throwing away your phone, which is the main source of the issue, but instead, make an effort to cherish the time you spend with your loved ones. Try creating a unique and unforgettable festival season, and in a week you'll discover that the majority of the issues aren't truly problems at all. Simply carrying out our duties in a responsible and sincere manner, without expecting anything in return, solves majority of problems. Since love cannot be owned, experience it and allow it to pass.


Even if this world is a cruel place.

Respect your work.

Protect your folks.

Solicitude your soul.


Thanks for reading.


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