An Isolated Generation

Gen Z Pre-Pandemic

        Before the pandemic, Gen Z was known to have extremely high rates of anxiety and depression. One of the most contributing factors was reported to be schoolwork and education. In a poll taken by the American Psychological Association, more than nine in ten Gen Z members have reported experiencing a physical reaction from stress, anxiety, and depression. Another striking finding was that the average level of manageable stress increased by .2 from 2017 to 2018. This shows how our changing world cheerfully provides Gen-Z with increasing anxieties. 

        Nevertheless, what do these numbers mean? How does this impact education? It is well-known anxiety may appear for stress-inducing situations in school, such as finals and presentations. But there is a difference from experiencing anxiety vs. living with it. A very similar comparison can be made with depression, it is one thing to feel sad, and another to live in constant distress.

        However, Depression and Anxiety rates are not dropping, and Gen Z is siphoning stress and anxiety from multiple areas. From education to politics. A recent poll from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 47.4% of Gen Z adults had experienced increased anxiety and depression symptoms due to COVID-19. 

Gen Z Vs. The Pandemic

        Aside from Political Concerns. Social distancing has also been a challenging aspect for Gen Z. In a recent Forbes Interview with Aimee Koontz, the marketing expert confirms Gen Z’s mental state. “Data suggests that Gen Z is already a generation plagued with anxiety and depression more than the other generations surveyed.” Koontz, Aimee “What’s Really Plaguing Gen Z?” Forbes, 3 June, 2020. 

        Considering this generation’s relationship with technology, separation seems less threatening when you can chat with anyone virtually instantly. Although technology seems like an excellent basis for learning and communication, there is a considerable percentage that prefers face to face, and the longer stay at home orders, and quarantine lasts, the higher it is expected to rise. 

Gen Z and Online Education

         Looking further into online classes, it may seem like a foolproof method of resuming education. An estimated 67% of college students have reported feeling more motivated in an online environment than in person. Even so, in unknown times, will they remain motivated at home? With previous data shown, will online education help this upcoming generation for the better? Or will it have harsh repercussions? With many colleges, high schools, and primary schools having hybrid classes this fall, we will all wait to see the results, both mental and physical, of a generation educated online.

Works Cited

Aratani, Lauren. “Why the Covid-19 Financial Crisis Will Leave Lasting Scars on Gen Z.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 6 July 2020, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/06/gen-z-covid-19-financial-crisis-lasting-scars.

Chamings, Andrew. “Adulthood Interrupted: Millions of Gen Zers Move Back into Their Parents’ Homes.” SFGate, San Francisco Chronicle, 13 July 2020, www.sfgate.com/living-in-sf/article/Gen-Zers-COVID-moving-home-depression-15399559.php.

Drenik, Gary. “What’s Really Plaguing Gen Z?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 3 June 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/garydrenik/2020/06/03/whats-really-plaguing-gen-z/.

Hobson, Jeremy. “How Generation Z Is Handling Pandemic, Protests Against Racial Injustice.” How Generation Z Is Handling Pandemic, Protests Against Racial Injustice | Here & Now, WBUR, 8 July 2020, www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/07/08/generation-z-covid-19-protests.

May 14, 2020, and Kim Parker and Ruth Igielnik. “What We Know About Gen Z So Far.” Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project, 15 May 2020, www.pewsocialtrends.org/essay/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/.

Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/monitor/2019/01/gen-z.

Perna, Mark C. “Why Is Gen-Z Feeling So Good About Life After COVID-19?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 23 June 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2020/06/23/why-is-gen-z-feeling-so-good-about-life-after-covid-19/.

Schaffhauser06/18/18, Dian. “Survey: Most Students Say Online Learning Is as Good or Better Than Face-to-Face.” Campus Technology, campustechnology.com/articles/2018/06/18/most-students-say-online-learning-is-as-good-or-better-than-face-to-face.aspx.