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Mental health challenges are a sad characteristic of Generation Z, which has been referred to by some as the “loneliest generation,” as their endless hours spent online can foster feelings of isolation and depression. More time spent on smartphones or watching Netflix means less time spent cultivating meaningful relationships. Additionally, many young people fall prey to the “compare and despair” trap that social media presents. Gen Z kids also find their mental health affected by the turbulent state of the world. As political activism among Gen Z has increased, many Gen Z-ers have internalized the unrest surrounding issues like gun control, police brutality, and climate change — leading to increased levels of stress.

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Mental health challenges are a sad characteristic of Generation Z, which has been referred to by some as the “loneliest generation,” as their endless hours spent online can foster feelings of isolation and depression. More time spent on smartphones or watching Netflix means less time spent cultivating meaningful relationships. Additionally, many young people fall prey to the “compare and despair” trap that social media presents. Gen Z kids also find their mental health affected by the turbulent state of the world. As political activism among Gen Z has increased, many Gen Z-ers have internalized the unrest surrounding issues like gun control, police brutality, and climate change — leading to increased levels of stress.

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Generation Z has emerged as a population increasingly worthy of attention, especially now as its older members are in their 20s and have become a politically engaged force in recent elections. Born after 1996, Generation Zers made up one-tenth of the 2020 electorate and have added 8.3 million newly eligible voters since November 2020. While they share a number of characteristics with Millennials, their formative years have been shaped by a drastically different world, resulting in key differences in attitudes, tendencies and outlook. Statistics compiled by the Pew Research Center and the KIDS COUNT ® Data Center paint a clear picture. Here's what we know.

Diversity Is Their Norm

One of the core characteristics of Generation Z is racial diversity. As America's demographics continue to shift, Gen Z will be the last generation that is predominantly white. As Gen Zers grew up during 2000 to 2020, the share of white kids fell from 61% to 50%. Children in immigrant families grew more common, too, jumping from 19% to 25% of the country's child population during this timeframe. The oldest Gen Zers turned 18 in 2015, and the latest data for young adults ages 18 to 24 in 2020 showed that a slight majority are 53% white, 23% are Latino, 14% are Black, 6% are Asian, 3% are two or more race groups and 1% are American Indian or Alaska Native.

For many Gen Zers, the backdrop of their early years included the country's first Black president and the legalization of gay marriage. They are more likely to have grown up amid diverse family structures - whether in a single-parent household, a multiracial household, or a household in which gender roles were blurred. As a result, they are less fazed than previous generations by differences in race, sexual orientation or religion.

They Are Our First ​"Digital Natives"

Another characteristic of Generation Z is their native use of technology. Whereas Millennials were considered ​"digital pioneers," who bore witness to the explosion of technology and social media, Gen Z was born into a world of peak technological innovation - where information was immediately accessible and social media increasingly ubiquitous.

These technological advancements have had both positive and negative effects on Gen Z. On the plus side: an abundance of information is at their fingertips, allowing Gen Zers to broaden their knowledge and be proactive in their learning. On the other hand, too much screen time can compound feelings of isolation and lead to underdeveloped social skills. Additionally, technology is changing the economy, leaving low-income Gen Zers vulnerable as they enter the workforce.

They Are Pragmatic and Financially Minded

Financial mindedness is another core characteristic of Generation Z. Many Gen Zers grew up watching their parents take huge financial hits during the Great Recession. Having witnessed their parents' struggles, this generation is driven by pragmatism and security.

While Millennials came of age during an economic boom, Gen Zers were shaped by the economic pressures their families and communities faced, like the financial stress of the rental market. Thus, they value the stability that comes with conservative spending, stable jobs and smart investments.

Many Factors Contribute to Their Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges are a sad characteristic of Generation Z, which has been referred to by some as the ​"loneliest generation," as their endless hours spent online can foster feelings of isolation and depression. More time spent on smartphones or watching Netflix means less time spent cultivating meaningful relationships. Additionally, many young people fall prey to the ​"compare and despair" trap that social media presents.

Gen Z kids also find their mental health affected by the turbulent state of the world. As political activism among Gen Z has increased, many Gen Zers have internalized the unrest surrounding issues like gun control, police brutality and climate change - leading to increased levels of stress.

They Are Shrewd Consumers

As consumers, Gen Z's behavior reflects their values - and the influence of an increasingly digital world. Gen Z kids can rely on their tech savvy and extensive social media platforms to make informed purchasing decisions. Their pragmatism leads them to explore and evaluate a range of options before settling on a product. In addition, they are more likely to be swayed by the recommendations of real-life users than by celebrity endorsements.

In much the same way that Gen Zers use social media as a means to curate their own personal brand, they also look at their purchasing decisions as an expression of their values and identity. As an example, they are drawn to sustainable products and brands - and are often willing to pay more for them. They value personalized products, and they are drawn to brands who share their point of view on political issues.

They Are Politically Progressive - Even Those on the Right

Most generations tend to be more left-leaning than the previous generation, and Gen Z is no exception. While Gen Zers look a lot like Millennials on many key issues, they are the most politically progressive generation yet. They are the generation most likely to see the advancement of LGBTQ rights as a positive development. Even among Republicans, Gen Zers take a more progressive stance on social issues: they agree that Black Americans are treated more unfairly in this country, they believe the government should play a greater role in solving problems and they are more likely to attribute climate change to human activity, as opposed to natural patterns.

Continue Learning About Generation Z

Gen Z is still growing up, but as they continue to come of age, early signs indicate that they will grow into engaged, conscientious stewards of our world - by being socially-minded, independent thinkers, who recognize their responsibility in shaping a more equitable future for all.

More Resources on Generation Z

Go to the KIDS COUNT Data Center for the latest statistics on children of all ages, including a new dataset on youth and young adults ages 14 to 24, capturing the majority of Gen Zers.

Sign Up for Our Email Newsletters

Stay up to date with the latest data, reports, and publications the Foundation has to offer by signing up for one of our newsletter mailing lists today!

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What Are the Core Characteristics of Generation Z?

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Generation Z has emerged as a population increasingly worthy of attention, especially now as its older members enter young adulthood. Here's what we know about their characteristics.

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DIVERSITY IS THEIR NORM
THEY ARE OUR FIRST “DIGITAL NATIVES”
THEY ARE PRAGMATIC AND FINANCIALLY-MINDED

MANY FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
THEY ARE SHREWD CONSUMERS
THEY ARE POLITICALLY PROGRESSIVE — EVEN THOSE ON THE RIGHT

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What Are the Core Characteristics of Generation Z?

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What Are the Core Characteristics of Generation Z?

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Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is a happy, hockey-loving 11-year-old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upside-down when she and her parents move to San Francisco. Riley's emotions -- led by Joy (Amy Poehler) -- try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event. However, the stress of the move brings Sadness (Phyllis Smith) to the forefront. When Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley's mind, the only emotions left in Headquarters are Anger, Fear and Disgust.

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Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina whose passion for the dance rules every facet of her life. When the company's artistic director decides to replace his prima ballerina for their opening production of "Swan Lake," Nina is his first choice. She has competition in newcomer Lily (Mila Kunis) however. While Nina is perfect for the role of the White Swan, Lily personifies the Black Swan. As rivalry between the two dancers transforms into a twisted friendship, Nina's dark side begins to emerge.

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Black Swan (2010) ⭐ 8.0 | Drama, Thriller

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Socially awkward teen Charlie (Logan Lerman) is a wallflower, always watching life from the sidelines, until two charismatic students become his mentors. Free-spirited Sam (Emma Watson) and her stepbrother Patrick (Ezra Miller) help Charlie discover the joys of friendship, first love, music and more, while a teacher sparks Charlie's dreams of becoming a writer. However, as his new friends prepare to leave for college, Charlie's inner sadness threatens to shatter his newfound confidence.

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Mental Health Help - Help Someone Struggling

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Baby Boomers/Millennials/Gen Z/Gen X/etc, do you feel - happy? excited? frustrated? anxious? sick of life? stuck in a rut? sad? depressed? Regardless of the answer, this episode is for YOU. I talk about wellbeing, how my understanding of the concept has evolved, debunking myths that need to feel happy 24/7, your inner voice, tips to achieving genuine wellbeing and happiness (stemming from my personal experience) and how to get back up after a relapse.

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The Ageing Millennial Podcast - Ways to Become Happier And Positive

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Baby Boomers/Millennials/Gen Z/Gen X/etc, do you feel - happy? excited? frustrated? anxious? sick of life? stuck in a rut? sad? depressed? Regardless of the answer, this episode is for YOU. I talk about wellbeing, how my understanding of the concept has evolved, debunking myths that need to feel hap…

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7 Ways to Detox Your Emotional Well Being

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10 Mental Illness Signs You Should Not Ignore

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How to manage your mental health | Leon Taylor | TEDxClapham

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Gen-Z adults, those ages 18 to 23, reported the highest levels of stress compared to other generations and were the most likely age group to report symptoms of depression, according to the APA’s 2020 Stress in America survey.

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Gen-Z adults, those ages 18 to 23, reported the highest levels of stress compared to other generations and were the most likely age group to report symptoms of depression, according to the APA’s 2020 Stress in America survey.

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Why mental health issues have become prevalent among young people?

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Why mental health issues have become prevalent among young people?

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Key facts

Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.

Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds.

The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.

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Increased Psychological Concerns Among Gen Z

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Increased Psychological Concerns Among Gen Z

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Gen Z has numerous reasons to feel more stressed than previous generations. Ultimately, stress can contribute to psychological concerns such as anxiety and depression.

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They are the first generation to be completely raised with the Internet and smartphones.

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Individuals who are born between 1995- 2010.

They are interconnected globally with a diverse range of people and largely communicate through technology and social media.

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According to Pew Research Center, 70% of teens across all genders, races, and family-income levels say that anxiety and depression are significant problems among their peers.

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Just 45% of Gen Zers report that their mental health is very good or excellent, according to the American Psychological Association.