Every generation is a product of its time – the historical, economic, cultural, global and technological variables entangle to shape the broader outlook of a specific cohort. For Generation Z, or “Gen Z" as it is contracted, the strands of technology are woven into the very fabric of their worldview. As true “digital natives", constant digital connectivity and influx of information is embedded into the very existence of this cohort. While being tech savvy is a crucial survival skill in today’s rapidly evolving world, it brings its own set of challenges which Gen Z is now battling.

Digital advancement has certainly made life far more convenient, with regards to online payments, access to information, self expression and staying connected to friends and family across the globe. Yet, these conveniences have led to “technostress" – the psychological strain experienced due to constant social media exposure and digital connectivity. Recent research has evidenced high correlations between mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, with excessive screen time and social media usage.

The surge in social media platforms has transformed the nature of socialisation into a passive and instantaneous gratification, leading to increased anxiety and restlessness when we do not receive immediate replies. Feeling restless, agitated or irritable are classic withdrawal symptoms of social media addiction, and begin to significantly impair other aspects of our lives in no time.........

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