
Young refugees and asylum seekers are among those most likely to cite social media as a tool to stay connected and decrease loneliness. Additionally, respondents indicate that certain aspects of social media use can benefit their mental health, such as using social media for self-expression. Digital mental health programs are telehealth programs that offer remote appointments with a healthcare provider (for example, physician, therapist), either over video or phone. 3 Digital wellness apps are defined as consumer-driven digital applications that aim to reduce stress, improve well-being and productivity, and address nonclinical conditions for consumers, focusing on topics such as meditation, sleep tracking, cognitive behavioral therapy, and fitness.

Gen Z respondents are more likely than other generations to use digital wellness apps and digital mental health programs. There are also signs that technology provides access to supportive mental health resources for younger people. More than 50 percent of all groups cited self-expression and social connectivity as positives from social media. And while negative impacts of social media were reported across cohorts, positive effects were even more common-more than 50 percent of all groups cited self-expression and social connectivity as positives from social media. For example, baby boomers in eight of the 26 countries surveyed report spending as much time on social media as Gen Zers, with millennials being the most likely to post. One surprise: Older generations’ engagement with these platforms is on par with Gen Zers. But correlation is not causation, and our data indicates that the relationship between social media use and mental health is complex.

They are also more likely to report having poor mental health. It does not include direct messaging apps. 2 Social media is defined here as apps to connect, potentially broadly, with other users.

Gen Zers, on average, are more likely than other generations to cite negative feelings about social media. MHI then analyzed differences and similarities across generations and countries, with a hope of informing the broader dialogue around Gen Z mental health. As with all surveys, these data reflect a moment in time and MHI makes no long-term approximations about how these results will trend over time. 1 Participants were surveyed on the following nine key topics: overall health and well-being, mental health in the workplace, spiritual health and religion, social determinants of health, social media and digital health services, mental health service utilization, mental health among students, attitudes toward mental health, and global current events. McKinsey Health Institute’s (MHI’s) 2022 Global Gen Z Survey asked more than 42,000 respondents in 26 countries across continents questions based on the four dimensions of health: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. No matter where they live, respondents in a new global survey said social media usage can lead to a fear of missing out (FOMO) or poor body image, but it also can help with social connections and self-expression. Much like many relationships a person might have between ages 18 and 24, the relationship a young person has with social media can be complicated.
