“The Most Anxious Generation”: the relationship between Gen Z students, social media, and anxiety

Abstract

This proposed study explores the relationship between Gen Z students and anxiety. The primary research of this study is based off of four interviews with current Gen Z college students, as well data collected from peer reviewed studies, government data and statistics. This study has revealed that a post-graduation fear of the unknown plays a large role in the upwards trend of anxiety disorders among Gen Z college students. This is heavily influenced by the increasing use of technology and the effects of social media, like FOMO, pressures of social comparison, and the immediacy of results. School, politics, school shootings, and financial worries are also deciding factors of mental health issues among this age group.