Four things making Generation-Z miserable

Australian scientists have identified four things that will make Generation Z miserable for decades to come.

These global trends will stress young people at a time in their lives when mental illness usually manifests, according to the CSIRO researchers.

Social media is making young people depressed.
Social media is making young people depressed. 

With almost half of all Australians experiencing a mental illness at some point, VicHealth is hoping to use the data for prevention programs.

1. Competition for careers

Youth unemployment will worsen

Youth unemployment will worsen Photo: iStock

Researchers are predicting that Australia's most educated generation in history will find it tougher than ever to land a permanent job after uni. That's because there will be more young people competing in the job market and not just locally. Youth in emerging economies such as India are also more educated than ever and with digital technology, many jobs can be done remotely. Technology will replace some of the low-skill jobs that young people do now.

It is likely that Generation Z will do more casual, contract-type work and piece together a living. A stress if you're paying off a $80,000 tertiary degree.


2. Modern family life

Parent's stress is hurting kids

Parents' stress is hurting kids Photo: The Age

The nuclear family will make up less than a third of all families by 2026. Same-sex parents, single parents, blended families, step-families, de facto couples and couples choosing not to have children will be more common  but young people will face stigma about these.

Added to this, stressed out family life where parents work a lot and then compensate by helicoptering makes everyone anxious.

Domestic violence and parents with post-traumatic stress (such as returned soldiers) impact on kids.

On a societal level, increased multiculturalism has seen more reports of racism and discrimination leading to societal discord.

3. Online addiction

Social media is making young people depressed.

Social media is making young people depressed. Photo: iStock

Comparing themselves to a wide network of youths on social media is making Generation Z dislike themselves, leading to more eating disorders. Young men are taking stupid risks for the sake of a cool selfie. Online gaming, bullying and porn are also threats to mental health.

Relying on digital devices for easy information and as a way to remember may be eroding memory.

4. Dissolving boundaries that made us feel safe

Boundaries between countries are blurring

Boundaries between countries are blurring Photo: Nicolas Walker NKW

Globalisation and digital technology are blurring the boundaries between organisations and societies. Culture, talent, ideas and goods are all flowing at greater speed and volume across national borders.

Young people will increasingly find themselves adrift in a vast ocean of risk, choices and opportunity. Some will form connections and "swim" in this environment creating fantastic careers and lifestyles for themselves, but others will be lost without the shelter of solid structures and boundaries.

Adding to the stress, are boundaryless jobs where there is no limit on how long, when and how fast people work.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. The same report called Bright Futures says that young people will benefit from society better understanding mental health and less stigma around illness in the future. New technologies will help in research and treatment, with young people more comfortable seeking help online. Governments are spending more on prevention and services, as well as on domestic violence.