very similar Many relationships exist between the ages of 18 and 24, but young people’s relationship with social media can be complicated. Respondents to a new global survey found that no matter where you live, social media use can lead to fear of missing out (FOMO) and poor body image, but it also reduces social connection and self-expression. He said it could also be helpful.
The McKinsey Health Institute’s (MHI) 2022 Global Gen Z Survey surveyed more than 42,000 respondents in 26 countries across all continents based on four dimensions of health: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. I asked a question. MHI then analyzed differences and similarities across generations and countries in hopes of informing a broader conversation about Gen Z mental health.
On average, Gen Z is more likely than other generations to report negative feelings about social media. They are also more likely to report poor mental health. However, correlation is not causation, and our data show that the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex. One surprise is that older generations’ engagement with these platforms is on par with Gen Z. For example, baby boomers in eight of the 26 countries surveyed report spending as much time on social media as Gen Z, and millennials are the most likely to post. be. Also, while negative effects of social media were reported across cohorts, positive effects were more common, with more than 50% of all groups citing social media’s positive effects on self-expression and social connection. are listed.
There are also signs that technology is providing young people with access to mental health support resources. Gen Z respondents are more likely than other generations to use digital wellness apps and digital mental health programs. Additionally, respondents said that certain aspects of social media use, such as using social media for self-expression, can benefit mental health. Young refugees and asylum seekers are among those most likely to cite social media as a tool to stay connected and reduce feelings of loneliness.
In the six insights below, MHI digs deeper into how mental health, technology, and social media intersect for respondents (see sidebar ‘Methodology’ for more details). The survey also covers additional topics such as climate change and spiritual health (for some insights, see the sidebars “Climate change is a concern for many respondents” and “Gen Z and spiritual health ).
Technology and social media can be part of the solution
Social media and technology are part of a broader conversation about youth mental health and can be powerful tools to promote well-being and provide mental health support at scale. For example, developers might consider incorporating algorithms to help youth who express psychological distress find support groups, crisis hotlines, and emergency mental health services. Additionally, digital mental health companies may consider partnering with virtual and community-based providers to connect people with acute needs with timely and culturally appropriate crisis services.
Communities around the world struggle to provide young people with a safe place to call, respond, and get help during mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. Crisis support available globally varies, and the majority of countries do not have a national response to suicide or mental health crises. Additionally, communities everywhere lack an adequate community mental health services infrastructure to respond to the high volume of crises young people experience each year, with schools, emergency rooms, and hospitals needed to fill the life-saving gap. , police, or family members. And livelihood. Deploying specially trained mobile teams or providing safe haven during a crisis is even rarer, and technology could fill this gap.
It will require collaboration between technology companies, mental health professionals, educators, employers, policy makers, and the broader community. By prioritizing mental health and actively leveraging technology, young people are more likely to achieve and maintain better health. Other possible strategies include using social media to build supportive online communities for affinity groups and encouraging youth leaders to create and disseminate content that promotes mental health. I can list it. Researchers and companies are developing evidence-based strategies, such as mental health promotion and mindfulness programs, to reduce the negative effects of social media and enable young people to use it as a platform for authentic self-expression. can be considered.
A “precision prevention” approach to talking about the role of technology in young people’s lives may help create a more informed, supportive and healthy environment. By providing parents, educators, and health professionals with these tools, they can be proactive in improving the health of Gen Z and beyond. Addressing these issues may seem daunting, but it is essential that stakeholders work together to improve the mental health of young people.
MHI is a permanent, not-for-profit, global company within McKinsey. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries strives to accelerate action across continents, sectors and communities to empower people to live the best lives possible and achieve real improvements in health outcomes. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries believes that supporting the mental health of young people is essential to extending their lives and extending their lives.
To learn more about the McKinsey Institute for Health Research (MHI) 2022 Global Generation Z Survey and additional data and insights from the survey, please contact us through MHI’s Contact Us form. The McKinsey Institute for Health Research is a nonprofit arm of McKinsey that paves the way for further research that drives action.