Are you a GenZ ?
Are you stressing over ageing faster than usual? Wait, you are not alone. It’s common to all of us who consist of the Generation Z. Not sure, whether you belong to us or not? Ok, let’s just find out who are the GenZ? It is the generation between the millennials and the GenAlpha. Millennials or GenY are individuals who were born between 1981 and 1996.
GenAlpha is the generation that comes after GenZ, who are adept navigators of a digital world dominated by smartphones, social media, and AI. They are the first generation to be truly born into a digital world. GenZ refers to those born between 1997 and 2012 and are the second-most youngest people. Now, this takes us back to our question. Are we really ageing faster than the millennials?
Pourquoi la génération Z se fait virer: l'écart grandissant entre aspirations et réalités du monde du travail
Les employés les plus jeunes peineraient à s'intégrer professionnellement, car leur approche diffère de celle de leurs collègues plus âgéshttps://t.co/LIiBGUUCip
— Catherine Cervoni (@CathCervoni) October 7, 2024
To answer this, let’s take a look at the causes that are unlocking the insecurity in the first place
This is also the generation that has grown up with constant access to the Internet and portable digital devices. Cameras, which used to be such a rare luxury, became commonplace after the invention of the digital camera in 1975 by Steven Sasson, an engineer at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York. In the 1980s, companies like Fujifilm and Sony were working on digital camera technology, and it is only as recent as the 2010s that the technology was revolutionised and made the incorporation of digital cameras into cell phones possible. While this has been a boon, the bane proved itself with the rising problem of doomscrolling that affects both GenZ and millennials.
Before you wonder what’s exactly that, doomscrolling is what you’ve been doing for so long. Doomscrolling is the activity of spending a disproportionate amount of time scrolling through negative news or disturbing content online. It often triggers a cycle of anxiety and outrage without encouraging any substantial way to channel the emotion in a positive direction. The constant exposure to depressing news causes secondary trauma among the readers and viewers. Doomscrolling is thus not only a cause that triggers stress and a feeling of guilt, but it consequently affects one’s emotional and mental health adversely.
In addition to that, the wokeness that this generation is compelled to exhibit at every update takes a toll on their mental health. The problem with wokeness is that instead of inspiring action, it leads to inaction. The benefit of wokeness is restricted to slacktivism, not really activism, which affects GenZ and millennials alike as they are trapped in a sense of helplessness.
Moreover, GenZ and millenials’ constant exposure to social media allows endless comparison with photos from the past. Viral trends across social media platforms like Before and After, and Now vs. Then are another major cause for triggering insecurity among the second youngest generation. Besides, this is also the generation which has been fed with filtered images of themselves and influencers whom they idolise. The perfect body image that has been ingrained in their psyche is so difficult to achieve that GenZ constantly struggles with body image issues. Any slight change in their body thus becomes a source of great insecurity. The constant comparison not only affects them negatively but allows cosmetic brands to play on these.
It is a sad reality that Beauty Brands like Bubble Skincare, Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Drunk Elephant have started capitalising on the insecurity of teens and promoting the ridiculous idea of preventative ageing. The early teens and even kids are being targeted through TikTok and Instagram handles using influencers who are busy promoting products containing ingredients like retinol and other harsh exfoliating acid. Products like eye-brightening moisturisers, sunscreens, serums and toners that were traditionally meant for an older consumer base are now sold to this generation and Gen Alpha with adverse consequences.
In fact, there is research that shows how exposure to the chemicals used in such cosmetic products from an early age is actually having a negative impact on the skin and physical health of the generation. Instead of preventing ageing, they are aggravating the process. Again, cosmetic surgery is being designed to target the young and the vulnerable. Baby botox, which is popularly seen as a technique to prevent wrinkles before they actually appear, is also gaining ground despite warnings by medical professionals and experts.
Again, entering work life earlier as compared to previous generations has induced work-related stress among GenZ. Work-pressure related hassle at the onset of early and mid-20s is also one of the reasons that is affecting the second youngest generation negatively. While they want to be independent emotionally and financially from an early age, adulting poses its own sets of challenges, which can feel overwhelming at times. This generation is way more self-aware than the earlier generation used to be and too much of anything it seems is bad.
Again, the stress that is generated by the constant fear of change, which is a universal human experience and predominantly affects those who are going through a quarter-life crisis, also impacts the way the GenZ and millennials are experiencing the process of ageing. Instead of ageing like fine wine, the stress related to ageing is complicating the matter even further.
Is it true that we are ageing faster than our predecessors?
Despite these reasons, there is no research to prove adequately that this generation is ageing faster than usual. However, the fact that we are overstressing it makes it even more complex. Our self-awareness has reached newer heights where we are constantly urged to compare ourselves and reflect on our actions through the judgement of others.
While Generation Z has been proved to be the depressed and seemingly lost generation beyond doubt, directly attributing ageing to the trying times can be a far-fetched conclusion. Although there are viral theories that often do rounds in social media, the factual accuracy of such pseudo-claims claims is doubted. So, you need not worry about ageing faster. Be kind enough to spare yourself this stressful thought, as you already have so much to think through!
FAQ
Are GenZ people ageing faster than previous generations?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that GenZ is ageing faster than previous generations. However, the constant stress and comparison culture prevalent in today’s society can contribute to feelings of anxiety and insecurity related to ageing.
What are the main factors contributing to GenZ’s anxiety about ageing?
Some of the key factors contributing to the anxiety about ageing include constant exposure to social media, doomscrolling, wokeness culture, early entry into the workforce, and fear of change in life in general and physical appearance in particular.
Are beauty brands targeting Generation Z with anti-ageing products?
Yes, many beauty brands are targeting Generation Z with anti-ageing products, often promoting them as preventative measures. However, experts warn that using such products at a young age can have negative consequences for the skin.
Is there any scientific evidence to support the use of anti-ageing products for young people?
There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of anti-ageing products for young people. In fact, some studies suggest that using harsh chemicals in such products at a young age can damage the skin.