Gen Z is more likely to report poor mental health. Is social media really to blame? | Fast Company

According to a new McKinsey Health Institute analysis, while social media has a complicated relationship with mental health, it can be a tremendous tool for promoting well-being and offering mental health assistance. 

A new report by McKinsey Health Institute reveals that there is a youth mental health crisis, and the connection between social media and mental health is more complex than previously thought. The report surveyed 42,000 people in 26 different countries and found that Gen Z reported the most challenges with health across the most dimensions, with one in four reporting a decline in mental health over the past three years. However, social media had a positive impact on mental health for some respondents, enabling them to access more health resources. 75% of respondents across all age groups reported using social media at least 10 minutes a day, with millennials being the most active users. One third of respondents reported a positive impact on their mental health from social media, while 25% said they used a digital wellness app. The report’s authors suggest that social media and technology can be powerful tools in promoting well-being and offering scaled mental health support. 

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/90888658/gen-z-mental-health-social-media-boomers-survey-mckinsey