There’s a crack in the perfect mirror. Gen Z, the generation known for pushing boundaries, championing change, and living unapologetically, is also quietly sinking into unhappiness. Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, is more connected than ever, but it’s not translating into contentment.
Globally, the data tells a story that’s hard to ignore. According to the World Happiness Report, happiness among those under 30 has significantly dropped in recent years. In the UK specifically, young people under 30 now rank 32nd in happiness worldwide — behind countries like Moldova and El Salvador. Meanwhile, older generations in these regions are reporting higher levels of happiness, suggesting a growing generational gap.
You might think it’s just growing pains, but it’s not that simple. It’s about feeling disconnected despite being hyperconnected. It’s about carrying the weight of the future while barely managing the present.
The Purpose Problem
One of the most telling findings comes from a Gallup survey (it’s important to note here that stats aren’t available for many places in the world), which revealed that while 73% of Gen Z individuals aged 12 to 26 describe themselves as happy, this percentage dips as they reach adulthood. The biggest factor? A lack of purpose. For Gen Z, it’s not just about having a job — it’s about feeling that their work is meaningful. Yet, many feel stuck in routines that don’t offer that sense of fulfilment, whether in education, work, or personal life.
Work, Money, and Mental Health
Economic pressures are also part of the equation. While Millennials are often associated with financial struggles, Gen Z is facing a different reality: stagnant wages, high student debt, and an unaffordable housing market. In the UK, nearly one-third of Gen Z has sought help for mental health issues, with financial stress being a major factor.
Social media’s role in this unhappiness is significant. With an average of nine hours a day spent on screens, in many parts of the world, Gen Z is the first generation to live almost entirely online. But instead of fostering connections, it’s creating a sense of isolation. Studies show that increased screen time is linked to poorer sleep, heightened anxiety, and a reduced sense of belonging.
In the Middle East
When we look at the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the trend mirrors the global pattern but with its own nuances. The World Happiness Report highlights that happiness has declined across all age groups in the region between 2006-2010 and 2021-2023. However, the decline is more pronounced among young people under 30 compared to older generations, indicating that Gen Z in the Middle East is feeling the strain more acutely.
Mental health challenges are significant here, too. A 2023 survey revealed that 74% of young Arabs struggle to cut down on social media use, while 61% acknowledge that this digital immersion negatively affects their mental well-being. The pressures of constant connectivity and digital comparison seem to be taking a toll.
Despite these challenges, there are glimpses of positive change. The UAE, for example, ranks as the happiest country in the MENA region and 21st globally. Young people in the UAE, while still navigating mental health struggles, are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance. A study by GulfTalent found that 76% of Gen Z in the Middle East value flexible work arrangements, reflecting a shift towards emphasizing mental well-being.
Gen Z and A Different Kind of Happiness
Maybe happiness for Gen Z looks different from how previous generations understand it. It’s less about chasing milestones and more about finding small pockets of calm in a noisy world. Maybe it’s about letting go of the expectation to always be thriving.
Gen Z isn’t beyond hope, we’re not eternally miserable. We’re just navigating a world that doesn’t quite fit us. It’s worth listening — not just to the statistics but to the quieter stories that say, “We’re tired, we’re trying, and we’re more than just data points.”
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