TL;DR: Research and surveys often link heavy social media use with anxiety, poor sleep and comparison for some young people – though effects vary. Gen Z is also the generation most open about mental health, using therapy, boundaries, screen limits and community to cope.
Common challenges
- Doomscrolling – see Break Doomscrolling.
- Comparison culture – see Comparison Culture.
- Sleep disruption from late-night screens.
- Loneliness despite constant connection – see Loneliness Gen Z.
What helps
- App timers and phone-free mornings.
- Curating feeds – unfollow what makes you feel worse.
- Offline hobbies and movement.
- Talking to friends or a professional – see Therapy For Gen Z.
Need help now?
If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone you trust or a local mental health helpline. In India, Tele-MANAS offers free support at 14416.