(NewsNation) — Generational differences in worldviews between Gen Z and older generations are being driven by higher rates of depression and excessive social media use among today’s young people, according to an expert on generational trends.
Jean Twenge, author of “Generations”, said Tuesday on NewsNation’s “In balance“that more young people today express pessimism about their future and lack of hope for the world compared to previous generations of the same age.
“Gen Z is much less connected to institutions, whether religious or governmental,” said Twenge. “There is an enormous amount of pessimism among young adults today.”
According to research, Gen Z is less than half as likely as baby boomers to say that patriotism, belief in God and having children are “very important” to them. Only 40% of people aged 18 to 29 view capitalism positively, compared to 73% of people aged 65 and over. Forty-four percent of people aged 18 to 29 have a positive impression of socialism, compared to 28% of seniors.
Twenge cited rising rates of depression and the negative impacts of social media as key factors behind Gen Z’s bleak outlook. Depression, she noted, not only affects emotions but also cognitive perception of the world.
Twenge argues that greater individualism and self-focus, which has emerged from technology, has some advantages, such as promoting equality.
However, she says it also has major disadvantages, including disconnection from others, less respect for institutions, lack of shared social rules/norms, and not having anything bigger than yourself to believe in.
She asserts that this extreme individualism and lack of broader belief systems “is not a good formula for mental health and optimism.”
While some have blamed lowered standards and over-pampering, Twenge disagrees that these were the main culprits, noting previous generations such as Millennials Remained Optimistic during youth, despite similar social trends.
“If you think about things like how technology has made our lives easier and how parents are probably kinder to their kids now than they used to be, sure,” she said. “But… no one gets together with their friends in person anymore, so they get depressed.”
To solve the problem, Twenge recommended restricting children and teenagers’ access to social media, which she said could help them develop more personal relationships and become “much less depressed and pessimistic.”
“We have a lot of work to do trying to give Gen Z some purpose and some hope,” Twenge said.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
