MangoLover
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Introduction
Gen Z is a generation that has a whole lot that is going on, just like other generations. The people of Gen Z offer advantages and disadvantages to the world. I will be listing below some of the advantages and disadvantages of Gen Z.
Pros
Mental Health Awareness
Media campaigns have also been recognised as a tool to influence the public about their personal health and well-being. The benefits of using social media platforms for health promotion include reach, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness (Robinson et al., 2017). In terms of mental health, media campaigns have been found to impact proximal changes such as increase in awareness, understanding of mental health issues and resources, and changes in attitudes. (Halsall et al., 2019).
According to a systematic review. Methods used for the systematic view: eligibility criteria, literature search and data collection.
Reference:
journals.sagepub.com
Men Seeking Mental Help As Needed
Seventy-one percent of men said they would rather talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health, according to research from Aviva. The poll used 1,000 men for the insurer found that while the likelihood to talk reduces slightly with age, younger men were more open to sharing their problems. Seventy-six percent of Gen Zs (aged 16-27) said that they would talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health. And 17% of Gen Z men said that they would talk to chat forums or online groups about their mental health - compared to an average of 11% across all ages. Of those who had looked for professional help with their mental health, 33% of Gen Zs received practical mental health support online. This compared to 19% across all ages. Just over 22% received talking therapies virtually, which was also slightly higher than the average across all age groups. The research also showed a lower reliance on anti-depressants as the go to option for younger age groups. Around 1 in 5 (22%) Gen Z men said that they had taken medication such as anti-depressants. This compared to 34% across all age groups. Dr Doug Wright, medical director at Aviva UK Health, said: "Over the past few years, much work has been done to help people recognise that mental health is as important as physical health".
Reference:
healthcareandprotection.com
Strength Training
Seventy-five percent of people in Gen Z strength train twice or more a week - more than any other generation. With Millennials (aged 29-44) following closely behind (74%). According to a report which includes 4,000 adults. Strength-based activities are essential for flexibility, balance and coordination, and evidence shows it can help to perform daily tasks, protecting against injuries and reducing risks of frailty and falls. Fifty-five percent of those in Gen X (aged 45-60) are meeting or exceeding the CMO's (CMO = Cheif Medical Officer) strength guidelines each week, and 34% of Baby Boomers (aged 61-79). While Gen Z leads the way in participation in strength-based activity among the general population, the research does reveal a growing awareness of its importance among older adults who decide to join a gym. Researchers found that among gym users, 82% of Gen Z respondents say strength training was an important factor for joining the gym.
After an analysis of billions of activities from 180M users, Strava's 2025 year in Sport reveals a category reshaped by Gen Z, hybrid activities, and rise of everyday movement. Gen Z is twice as lucky as older generations to choose strength training as their primary sport. 61% lift for aesthetics, fueling hybrid routines that mix lifting with running, rucking and cycling. As Gen Z blends lifting, lifestyle and tech, fitness is being redefined. From hybrid athletes to strength-first communities, the new era will center on identity, consistency and performance as everyday culture.
References:
www.active-together.org
Technology
Gen Z represents the first group to have grown up with continuous access to digital technology, making it the first 'always-connected' generation. It's very presence challenges traditional educational models and calls for a rethinking of how knowledge is accessed, delivered and co-created in Higher Education Institution (HEI) spaces. Meeting the expectations and addressing the needs of Gen Z learner lie at the heart of current educational provision. This narrative synthesis critically examines modern literature regarding Gen Z learning preferences, focusing on how technology supports the learning environment. The findings highlight that Gen Z learners are highly responsive to multimedia technologies in the educational setting and demonstarte a clear preference for learning environments which strike a balance between independent learning and meaningful interpersonal interaction.
Reference:
Cons
Mental Health Issues
In 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years (20.3% of adolescents) had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioural health issue (anxiety, depression or behavipur/conduct problems). Anxiety was the most common condition (16.1%), followed by depression (8.4%) and behaviour/conduct problems (6.3%). A greater proportion of females had diagnosed anxiety (20.1% vs 12.3%) and depression (10.9% vs 6%), while a greater proportion of males had diagnosed behaviour/conduct problems (8.2% vs 4.3%). Between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of diagnosed mental or behavioural health conditions among adolescents increased 35% (from 15% to 20.3%). The prevalence of diagnosed anxiety increased 61% (from 10% to 16.1%) and depression increased 45% (from 5.8% to 8.4%); the importance of diagnosed behaviour/conduct problems was stable.
Gen Z most often experience feelings of loneliness - with 1/3 feeling they don't get enough regular human interaction. A poll of 2,000 adults found 37% of Gen Z's often feeling lonely, compared to 15% of Gen X and 11% of Boomers. But 22% of all adults also don't know how to start a conversation with a stranger. And 45% believe they spend more time talking to people digitally than do they do in person. The research was commissioned by McVitie's which has teamed up with mental health clarity Mind and viral documentary maker A Mug of Life to spotlight the UK's struggles with loneliness and get the UK to talk again.
References:
www.thesun.co.uk
Screentime
Higher total screen time was associated with all mental helath symptoms in adjusted models, and the association was strongest for depressive conduct, somatic and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. The specific screen types with the greatest depressive symptoms included video chat, texting, videos and video games. Screen time is prospective associated with a range of mental helath symptoms, especially depressive symptoms, though effect sizes are small.
Studies covering adolescents from 10-19 years old were included without language or publication which answered the following guiding question: "Does the use of digital screen influence adolescents' quality sleep?". Twenty-three articles compose this systematic review. Excessive use of digital screen was associated with worse and shorter sleep, showing, as its main consequences, night awakenings, long sleep latency and daytime sleepiness. The use of mobile phones before bedtime was associated with poor sleep quality among adolescents. An evaluation of the methodological quality of the chosen studies found 7 to be poor and 16, ok.
References:
link.springer.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Diet
Certain life transitions, such as moving from home to university, can alter established dietary patterns. This can lead to changes in food intake that are mostly unfavourable, such as low consumption of fruits and vegetables and a higher intake of sugar and alcohol. The negative shift in dietary behaviour due to newfound independence accompanied by exposition to various new experiences may explain the frequently observed weight gain during the 1st year at university. In addition, factors such as time constraints and financial limitations, as well as a lack of experience in meal planning and peperation, contribute to the adoption of unhealthy eating habits, often characterized by the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Today, UPF products constitute a major of the food supply in retail and fast-food or take out restaurants.
There is growing evidence linking the growing consumption of UPF with poor dietary quality, and diet related diseases such as obesity in children, adolescents and adults, and chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer and all-cause morality in adults. A recent systematic review of published meta-analyses found that increased consumption of UPFs is correlated with increased risks of negative health outcomes, particularly relating to cardiometabolic, common mental disorders, and morality. Moreover, bad health effects associated with UPFs may not be attributed to their nutrient profile and calories density but also to physical altercations in the food matrix and chemical properties resulting from industrial processing methods, ingredients and by-products. Some examples of UPF are soft-drinks, breakfast cereals and packaged breads. UPF are durable, convenient, ready-to-eat, hyper-palatable, have attractive packaging and are strongly marketed to children and adolescents.
References:
www.nature.com
link.springer.com
Unemployment
In Febuary-April 2026: there were 735,000 young people aged 16-24 who were unemployed, 109,000 more than the previous year. The unemployment rate for young people was 16.2%, up from 14.3% from the year before. The unemployment rate for young people was 50.4% down from 50.6% from the year before. There were 3 million young people aged 16-24 who were economically inactive. In January to March 2026, there were 1.01 million people aged 16-24 who were NEET, 13.5% of all 16-24 year olds.
While overall joblessness remains low, youth unemployment is rising. In the US, the rate for young workers hit 10.8% in July, compared to 4.3% overall, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In parts of Asia and Africa, the figures are far higher - 17% in India, 16.5% in China and around 36% in Morocco, accounting to Morgan Stanley research featured in Bloomberg. In 2024, there were 1.2 million UK graduates competing for just under 17,000 entry-level positions. The narrative that AI is eliminating jobs has become well established, but many economists argue the real story is more complex.
References:
TLDR:
Media campaigns help to offer help to wellbeing, this mental health awareness can help people in need. Gen Z is an open generation when it comes to opening up about their mental health. Gen Z most of them likes to strength train. Gen Z is the first always connected to technology generation, Gen Z likes to work with technology. A noticeable amount of Gen Z suffers from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc. Higher total screen time impacts mental health in a negative manner. Certain life transitions, such as moving from home to university, can alter established dietary patterns. University students after transitioning to university may start to lean into unhealthy eating/drinking habits. Unemployment is a growing issue among Gen Z.
Gen Z is a generation that has a whole lot that is going on, just like other generations. The people of Gen Z offer advantages and disadvantages to the world. I will be listing below some of the advantages and disadvantages of Gen Z.
Pros
Mental Health Awareness
Media campaigns have also been recognised as a tool to influence the public about their personal health and well-being. The benefits of using social media platforms for health promotion include reach, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness (Robinson et al., 2017). In terms of mental health, media campaigns have been found to impact proximal changes such as increase in awareness, understanding of mental health issues and resources, and changes in attitudes. (Halsall et al., 2019).
According to a systematic review. Methods used for the systematic view: eligibility criteria, literature search and data collection.
Reference:
A Systematic Review of the Impacts of Media Mental Health Awareness Campaigns on Young People - Mallorie T. Tam, Julia M. Wu, Cindy C. Zhang, Colleen Pawliuk, Julie M. Robillard, 2024
Mental health issues are prevalent among young people. An estimated 10% of children and adolescents worldwide experience a mental disorder, yet most do not seek...
journals.sagepub.com
Men Seeking Mental Help As Needed
Seventy-one percent of men said they would rather talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health, according to research from Aviva. The poll used 1,000 men for the insurer found that while the likelihood to talk reduces slightly with age, younger men were more open to sharing their problems. Seventy-six percent of Gen Zs (aged 16-27) said that they would talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health. And 17% of Gen Z men said that they would talk to chat forums or online groups about their mental health - compared to an average of 11% across all ages. Of those who had looked for professional help with their mental health, 33% of Gen Zs received practical mental health support online. This compared to 19% across all ages. Just over 22% received talking therapies virtually, which was also slightly higher than the average across all age groups. The research also showed a lower reliance on anti-depressants as the go to option for younger age groups. Around 1 in 5 (22%) Gen Z men said that they had taken medication such as anti-depressants. This compared to 34% across all age groups. Dr Doug Wright, medical director at Aviva UK Health, said: "Over the past few years, much work has been done to help people recognise that mental health is as important as physical health".
Reference:
Most men will talk about mental health struggles with Gen Z leading the way – Aviva
More than seven in 10 men (71%) said that they would talk to someone if they were struggling with their
healthcareandprotection.com
Strength Training
Seventy-five percent of people in Gen Z strength train twice or more a week - more than any other generation. With Millennials (aged 29-44) following closely behind (74%). According to a report which includes 4,000 adults. Strength-based activities are essential for flexibility, balance and coordination, and evidence shows it can help to perform daily tasks, protecting against injuries and reducing risks of frailty and falls. Fifty-five percent of those in Gen X (aged 45-60) are meeting or exceeding the CMO's (CMO = Cheif Medical Officer) strength guidelines each week, and 34% of Baby Boomers (aged 61-79). While Gen Z leads the way in participation in strength-based activity among the general population, the research does reveal a growing awareness of its importance among older adults who decide to join a gym. Researchers found that among gym users, 82% of Gen Z respondents say strength training was an important factor for joining the gym.
After an analysis of billions of activities from 180M users, Strava's 2025 year in Sport reveals a category reshaped by Gen Z, hybrid activities, and rise of everyday movement. Gen Z is twice as lucky as older generations to choose strength training as their primary sport. 61% lift for aesthetics, fueling hybrid routines that mix lifting with running, rucking and cycling. As Gen Z blends lifting, lifestyle and tech, fitness is being redefined. From hybrid athletes to strength-first communities, the new era will center on identity, consistency and performance as everyday culture.
References:
Gen Z loves to lift but 1 in 3 Brits do no strength exercise at all, sparking national health warning
Nearly half of UK adults (43%) are failing to meet the Chief Medical Officer's strength guidelines and one in three (32%) do no activity to strengthen their muscles at all, according to a new report from ukactive and Les Mills. Read More »
Technology
Gen Z represents the first group to have grown up with continuous access to digital technology, making it the first 'always-connected' generation. It's very presence challenges traditional educational models and calls for a rethinking of how knowledge is accessed, delivered and co-created in Higher Education Institution (HEI) spaces. Meeting the expectations and addressing the needs of Gen Z learner lie at the heart of current educational provision. This narrative synthesis critically examines modern literature regarding Gen Z learning preferences, focusing on how technology supports the learning environment. The findings highlight that Gen Z learners are highly responsive to multimedia technologies in the educational setting and demonstarte a clear preference for learning environments which strike a balance between independent learning and meaningful interpersonal interaction.
Reference:
Cons
Mental Health Issues
In 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents ages 12-17 years (20.3% of adolescents) had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioural health issue (anxiety, depression or behavipur/conduct problems). Anxiety was the most common condition (16.1%), followed by depression (8.4%) and behaviour/conduct problems (6.3%). A greater proportion of females had diagnosed anxiety (20.1% vs 12.3%) and depression (10.9% vs 6%), while a greater proportion of males had diagnosed behaviour/conduct problems (8.2% vs 4.3%). Between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of diagnosed mental or behavioural health conditions among adolescents increased 35% (from 15% to 20.3%). The prevalence of diagnosed anxiety increased 61% (from 10% to 16.1%) and depression increased 45% (from 5.8% to 8.4%); the importance of diagnosed behaviour/conduct problems was stable.
Gen Z most often experience feelings of loneliness - with 1/3 feeling they don't get enough regular human interaction. A poll of 2,000 adults found 37% of Gen Z's often feeling lonely, compared to 15% of Gen X and 11% of Boomers. But 22% of all adults also don't know how to start a conversation with a stranger. And 45% believe they spend more time talking to people digitally than do they do in person. The research was commissioned by McVitie's which has teamed up with mental health clarity Mind and viral documentary maker A Mug of Life to spotlight the UK's struggles with loneliness and get the UK to talk again.
References:
Third of Gen Z feel they don't get enough human interaction, survey finds
GEN Z most often experience feelings of loneliness – with a third feeling they don’t get enough regular human interaction. A poll of 2,000 adults found 37 per cent of Gen Z’s often feel lonely, com…
www.thesun.co.uk
Screentime
Higher total screen time was associated with all mental helath symptoms in adjusted models, and the association was strongest for depressive conduct, somatic and attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. The specific screen types with the greatest depressive symptoms included video chat, texting, videos and video games. Screen time is prospective associated with a range of mental helath symptoms, especially depressive symptoms, though effect sizes are small.
Studies covering adolescents from 10-19 years old were included without language or publication which answered the following guiding question: "Does the use of digital screen influence adolescents' quality sleep?". Twenty-three articles compose this systematic review. Excessive use of digital screen was associated with worse and shorter sleep, showing, as its main consequences, night awakenings, long sleep latency and daytime sleepiness. The use of mobile phones before bedtime was associated with poor sleep quality among adolescents. An evaluation of the methodological quality of the chosen studies found 7 to be poor and 16, ok.
References:
Screen time and mental health: a prospective analysis of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study - BMC Public Health
Background Despite the ubiquity of adolescent screen use, there are limited longitudinal studies that examine the prospective relationships between screen time and child behavioral problems in a large, diverse nationwide sample of adolescents in the United States, which was the objective of the...
link.springer.com
Use of digital screens by adolescents and association on sleep quality: a systematic review - PubMed
This study aimed to analyze the influence of digital screen use on adolescents' quality of sleep. This systematic review was recorded on PROSPERO (CRD42020203403) and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies covering adolescents from 10 to 19 years were included without language or...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Diet
Certain life transitions, such as moving from home to university, can alter established dietary patterns. This can lead to changes in food intake that are mostly unfavourable, such as low consumption of fruits and vegetables and a higher intake of sugar and alcohol. The negative shift in dietary behaviour due to newfound independence accompanied by exposition to various new experiences may explain the frequently observed weight gain during the 1st year at university. In addition, factors such as time constraints and financial limitations, as well as a lack of experience in meal planning and peperation, contribute to the adoption of unhealthy eating habits, often characterized by the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF). Today, UPF products constitute a major of the food supply in retail and fast-food or take out restaurants.
There is growing evidence linking the growing consumption of UPF with poor dietary quality, and diet related diseases such as obesity in children, adolescents and adults, and chronic non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer and all-cause morality in adults. A recent systematic review of published meta-analyses found that increased consumption of UPFs is correlated with increased risks of negative health outcomes, particularly relating to cardiometabolic, common mental disorders, and morality. Moreover, bad health effects associated with UPFs may not be attributed to their nutrient profile and calories density but also to physical altercations in the food matrix and chemical properties resulting from industrial processing methods, ingredients and by-products. Some examples of UPF are soft-drinks, breakfast cereals and packaged breads. UPF are durable, convenient, ready-to-eat, hyper-palatable, have attractive packaging and are strongly marketed to children and adolescents.
References:
Ultra-processed foods and plant-based alternatives impair nutritional quality of omnivorous and plant-forward dietary patterns in college students - Scientific Reports
The health benefits of a plant-based diet may be outweighed by an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and plant-based alternatives. This study compares diet quality (intakes of protein, saturated fatty acids, sugar, fiber, and micronutrients) and nutritional status (prevalence...
www.nature.com
Ultra-processed food consumption in UK adolescents: distribution, trends, and sociodemographic correlates using the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008/09 to 2018/19 - European Journal of Nutrition
Purpose We quantified levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and investigated consumption patterns in a representative sample of UK adolescents. Methods We used data from 4-day food diaries from adolescents in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (2008/09–2018/19). UPF were...
link.springer.com
Unemployment
In Febuary-April 2026: there were 735,000 young people aged 16-24 who were unemployed, 109,000 more than the previous year. The unemployment rate for young people was 16.2%, up from 14.3% from the year before. The unemployment rate for young people was 50.4% down from 50.6% from the year before. There were 3 million young people aged 16-24 who were economically inactive. In January to March 2026, there were 1.01 million people aged 16-24 who were NEET, 13.5% of all 16-24 year olds.
While overall joblessness remains low, youth unemployment is rising. In the US, the rate for young workers hit 10.8% in July, compared to 4.3% overall, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In parts of Asia and Africa, the figures are far higher - 17% in India, 16.5% in China and around 36% in Morocco, accounting to Morgan Stanley research featured in Bloomberg. In 2024, there were 1.2 million UK graduates competing for just under 17,000 entry-level positions. The narrative that AI is eliminating jobs has become well established, but many economists argue the real story is more complex.
References:
TLDR:
Media campaigns help to offer help to wellbeing, this mental health awareness can help people in need. Gen Z is an open generation when it comes to opening up about their mental health. Gen Z most of them likes to strength train. Gen Z is the first always connected to technology generation, Gen Z likes to work with technology. A noticeable amount of Gen Z suffers from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, etc. Higher total screen time impacts mental health in a negative manner. Certain life transitions, such as moving from home to university, can alter established dietary patterns. University students after transitioning to university may start to lean into unhealthy eating/drinking habits. Unemployment is a growing issue among Gen Z.
