The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Are Gen Z the loneliest generation in human history?

Aug 12, 2024

Loneliness has surged among Generation Z, with a shocking rise in young people reporting feeling isolated. As friendships dwindle, the impact of technology and social media complicates genuine connections. The pandemic has worsened this poverty of social interactions, affecting mental health and well-being. The effects on youth span from weakened immune systems to the psychological toll of online pressures. As young people navigate a challenging digital landscape, the discussion underscores the urgent need for community and support.

44:21

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Quick takeaways

The significant rise in loneliness among Gen Z is marked by fewer friendships compared to older generations, reflecting a cultural shift.

Social media's dual role in fostering connection while simultaneously breeding isolation highlights the complex dynamics of modern friendships.

Deep dives

Rising Loneliness Among Young People

The number of children experiencing loneliness at school has significantly increased, with reports indicating a doubling of sadness from 2012 to 2018. Young adults aged 16 to 29 are particularly affected, as they are over twice as likely to feel lonely compared to older adults, with one in five individuals aged 18 to 24 stating they have few or no close friends. This change reflects newfound social dynamics, where historical trends of shrinking social networks with age appear reversed, indicating that Gen Z may represent the loneliest generation in recent history. The rise is attributed to various factors, including social media dynamics and a decrease in traditional community engagement.

Intro

2min

The Loneliness Epidemic Among Youth

20min

The Impact of Pandemic-Induced Loneliness on Generation Z

3min

The Pandemic's Role in Rising Mental Health Issues Among Youth

2min

The Profound Impact of Loneliness on Health

3min

Navigating the Social Media Dilemma

14min

Navigating News and Loneliness in the Social Media Era

4min

The number of children who say they feel lonely at school more than doubled between 2012 and 2018, and Britons aged 16-29 are more than twice as likely to report feeling often or always lonely as those aged over 70.

A report by the think tank Onward found that one in five Britons aged 18-24 have one or no close friends, a proportion that has tripled in the past decade.

Historically, people’s social networks have tended to shrink with age, but nowadays research shows that young people have fewer friends than older Britons.

The evidence from the UK and other Western countries suggests that Generation Z – those born after 1997 – isn’t just the loneliest cohort in the country, they may be the loneliest generation in human history.

Sarah Dawood, senior associate editor speaks to writer Sophie McBain, who looked into the epidemic of loneliness amongst young people today for her New Statesman feature The lonely land.

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