The Problem With... The Problem With Gen Z: Elliot Bewick
Jan 6, 2026
Elliot Bewick, host of The Next Gen podcast, sheds light on the struggles of Gen Z, emphasizing their quiet crisis marked by rising anxiety and suicide rates. He critiques social media's shift from authentic connection to manufactured personas, revealing how it distorts real relationships. The discussion spans COVID's unique impact on youth, the allure of performative hardship, and the masculinity crisis. Bewick also advocates for embodied activities like Jiu-Jitsu to foster genuine connection and resilience, while challenging Gen Z to embrace responsibility and purpose in their lives.
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Connectivity's Double-Edged Sword
- Gen Z faces skyrocketing anxiety, suicide and loneliness linked to constant connectivity and social media status games.
- Elliot Bewick sees the same tech as a possible antidote if used to build real competence and community.
When Algorithms Replace Authenticity
- Instagram's 2016 algorithm turned personal timelines into an optimized status game that rewards engagement over authenticity.
- That incentive shift manufactures 'authenticity' and drives comparison, negativity and mental harm.
Steroids As A Shortcut To Status
- James Smith recounts using steroids in his early twenties to gain status and competence in the gym when other doors were closed.
- He describes the temporary high and later regret, and how Jiu Jitsu offered a healthier alternative.
