What Millenials Don’t undersrtand Gen Z?
Generation Z, commonly known as Gen Z, consists of individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. This generation has grown up in an era dominated by social media, smartphones, and instant gratification. While they are tech-savvy, creative, and open-minded, they also face unique challenges. The pressure to maintain a digital presence, seek validation through likes and shares, and stay constantly connected has reshaped their views on career, relationships, and personal growth. This article explores how Gen Z spends their time, the struggles they face, and how counselling can help them find a balanced and fulfilling life.
The Social Media Trap: Wasting Time or Expressing Creativity?
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become central to Gen Z’s daily lives. Many spend hours scrolling, posting, and engaging with content, often unaware of how much time is slipping away. While some use these platforms to showcase creativity, build brands, or network professionally, a significant portion of time is spent aimlessly consuming content.
One of the biggest concerns is dopamine addiction—the brain’s reward system becomes dependent on likes, comments, and shares, creating a cycle of instant gratification. This leads to reduced patience, difficulty focusing on long-term goals, and constant comparison with others. The desire to go viral or gain followers can overshadow real-life achievements, making many feel unfulfilled despite their digital success.
Another issue is the fear of missing out (FOMO), where Gen Z constantly checks updates, afraid they might miss something important. This results in anxiety, restlessness, and an inability to stay present in the real world. Many report feeling exhausted from maintaining an online persona while struggling with real-life insecurities.
Counselling helps Gen Z develop a healthy relationship with social media by promoting mindful usage, setting boundaries, and focusing on real-world experiences. Therapists guide individuals in recognizing the impact of social media on mental health and encourage activities that bring long-term happiness rather than temporary validation.
Career Confusion: Passion vs. Stability
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z places a high value on personal fulfillment in their careers. They don’t just want jobs; they seek meaning, flexibility, and creativity. Many reject traditional 9-to-5 jobs in favor of freelancing, entrepreneurship, or content creation. While this mindset fosters innovation, it also creates career instability, financial stress, and confusion.
The idea of “following your passion” is appealing, but it often clashes with reality. Many young individuals struggle to balance financial security and personal interests, leading to frustration when their dream careers don’t provide immediate success. Some jump from one career path to another without clear direction, feeling lost in a sea of choices.
Another issue is the constant need for quick success. The rise of influencers and digital entrepreneurs has created unrealistic expectations. Many believe they should achieve financial independence early, leading to impatience and discouragement when progress is slow.
Counselling provides career clarity by helping individuals understand their strengths, values, and long-term goals. Therapists use personality assessments, career guidance techniques, and realistic goal-setting to help Gen Z build a fulfilling career without sacrificing stability. Counselling also teaches resilience, helping young individuals navigate setbacks without giving up.
Relationships: Digital Overload and Emotional Disconnect
Gen Z’s approach to relationships is shaped by digital communication. While they have more ways to connect, many struggle with meaningful emotional bonds. Dating apps, social media interactions, and texting have replaced face-to-face conversations, leading to shallow relationships and misunderstandings.
One major issue is commitment anxiety. With unlimited options available through dating apps, many fear settling down, always wondering if a “better” option exists. This creates insecurity, short-term relationships, and emotional detachment. Ghosting, breadcrumbing, and other toxic behaviors have become common, making it harder to form deep connections.
Social media also creates unrealistic expectations about love. Seeing influencers showcase “perfect” relationships can make Gen Z feel inadequate in their own relationships. Many compare their partners to idealized online versions, leading to dissatisfaction and unnecessary conflicts.
Counselling helps Gen Z build healthy, meaningful relationships by addressing fears of commitment, improving communication skills, and understanding emotional needs. Therapy provides a space to explore relationship insecurities, heal from past experiences, and develop emotional intelligence.
Mental Health Struggles: Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout
Despite being the most vocal generation about mental health, Gen Z is also one of the most anxious and depressed generations. The pressure to succeed, maintain an online image, and cope with societal expectations leads to overwhelming stress. Many feel burnt out before they even start their careers, struggling with self-worth and imposter syndrome.
The constant exposure to negative news through social media adds to this stress. Climate change, global conflicts, economic instability—Gen Z consumes an overwhelming amount of information daily, often feeling helpless about the world’s problems.
Another issue is the stigma of perfection. Even though mental health awareness is rising, many still feel pressure to appear successful and happy. This makes it difficult for them to ask for help or admit their struggles. Some turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive social media use, binge-watching, or substance abuse.
Counselling provides a safe space for Gen Z to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and set realistic expectations. Therapists help individuals reframe negative thoughts, reduce self-judgment, and find healthy ways to deal with stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and emotional regulation strategies empower young individuals to take control of their mental well-being.
The Role of Counselling: Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World
Counselling is no longer just for those in crisis—it is a tool for personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. For Gen Z, therapy can help in several ways:
1. Managing Social Media Addiction – Learning to use social platforms mindfully, set limits, and focus on offline experiences.
2. Career Guidance – Understanding strengths, setting realistic goals, and balancing passion with stability.
3. Building Healthy Relationships – Developing communication skills, emotional intelligence, and deeper connections.
4. Overcoming Anxiety and Depression – Learning coping strategies, breaking negative thought patterns, and practicing self-care.
5. Developing Resilience – Handling failures, dealing with uncertainty, and embracing long-term growth.
Gen Z is a generation full of potential, creativity, and progressive thinking, but they also face unique challenges. The digital world offers opportunities, yet it also creates distractions, unrealistic expectations, and mental health struggles. Counselling is a powerful tool that helps Gen Z navigate these complexities, find balance, and build a fulfilling life. By addressing their concerns with the right guidance, this generation can harness their strengths and create a future that is both meaningful and sustainable.