Summary of Issue
- Digital Overload: Heavy reliance on digital communication can lead to feelings of social isolation, disconnection and loneliness, as well as increasing feelings of being inferior to the false perception that others are leading perfect lives.
- Economic Uncertainty: Financial pressures, including jobs, inflation, cost of housing and food, can impact our confidence and reduce our ability to connect with others.
- Global Events: Current global events can create the stress and anxiety that can pull us away from those who can support us and help build resilience.
- Mental Health Challenges: Our reduced social connections with others can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Introduction
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is the first cohort to grow up entirely in the digital age. While technology offers unprecedented connectivity, it also poses challenges to social interactions and mental health. Understanding these barriers and finding ways to address them is crucial for fostering meaningful connections and overall well-being for Gen Z.
Why the Barrier Exists
Several factors contribute to the social disconnection experienced by Generation Z:
- Digital Overload: Constant digital interactions cannot replace in-person connections, and can lead to superficial relationships and loneliness.
- Mental Health Challenges: Gen Z experiences high rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, which can lead to social withdrawal.
- Economic Uncertainty: Financial pressures including student debt and job market instability can limit social opportunities and add stress.
Stat from the 2023 Canadian Social Connection Survey: According to the survey, 51.7% of Gen Z Canadians reported feeling lonely. In the 2023 Canadian Social Connection Survey Gen Z was the loneliest of all generations.
Recommended Solutions
To reduce the negative impact of these barriers on social connections and social health, consider these strategies:
- Balance Screen Time: Set limits on screen time and prioritize in-person interactions to build deeper connections.
- Mental Health Support: Seek professional help and participate in mental health programs to manage anxiety and depression.
- Community Involvement: Engage in community activities and volunteer work to build a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Financial Education: Access resources on financial planning to manage economic stress and improve overall well-being.
By balancing screen time, seeking mental health support, engaging in community activities, and promoting digital literacy, Generation Z can overcome social isolation and build stronger, more meaningful connections.
Community Resources/Solutions
To help manage the impact of these barriers, various organizations and groups provide support and opportunities for improved social connection and social health for Generation Z:
- Volunteer Canada
- Description: Connects individuals with volunteer opportunities across Canada, fostering community engagement.
- How it Helps: Provides opportunities to meet new people and build social connections through volunteering.
- Contact Information: Email: info@volunteer.ca
- GenWell
- Description: Is Canada’s Human Connection Movement and is working to educate, empower and catalyze Canadians around the importance of their social health.
- How it Helps: They provide tips, tools, resources and campaigns that can inspire social connection for all Canadians
- Contact Information: Visit website at www.GenWell.ca for more information.
- YMCA Canada
- Description: Offers programs and services to support youth development and community engagement.
- How it Helps: Provides recreational activities, leadership programs, and social opportunities.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local branch details.
- Meetup
- Description: A platform for finding and building local communities, connecting people with similar interests.
- How it Helps: Encourages participation in local social groups and events to reduce isolation.
- Contact Information: Visit website for local group details.
Further Reading
- Parental and Social Factors Predict Thriving During the Transition to University published by the International Journal of Child, Youth, and Family Studies.
- Work-life Balance: Make it your business published by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
- A Roof of One’s Own published by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
- “Loneliness is a major public health problem – and young people are bearing the brunt of it”; published in The Conversation.