One Big Thing | Helping the Anxious Generation
Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and the generations right behind them are brilliant, plugged-in, and downright inspiring. Yet they’re also carrying record levels of anxiety-symptoms are up 30%. Yep, the kids are not alright, and it’s not because they don’t hydrate.
Why the Anxiety?
- Comparison Culture: They can scroll through more “perfect lives” in one hour on TikTok than most of us saw in a decade. Turns out endless highlight reels aren’t great for brains that are still under construction—the prefrontal cortex doesn’t fully clock in until around 25 for females and 28 for males.
- Overloaded & Overscheduled: School, sports, social pressure, and nonstop digital inputs mean they’re “always on.” Youth sleep is down nearly 20%, and shocker: less sleep = more anxiety.
- Big Problems on Small Shoulders: Climate fears, global conflict, economic uncertainty—Gen Z/Alpha absorb it all. Their empathy is a superpower, but it also makes the world feel heavy.
How to Help?
Gen Z, Alpha, and beyond aren’t broken—they’re brilliant. With courage, kindness, and support, they’ll rise higher than ever. And they’re not alone in the struggle. Our own anxiety—as teachers, leaders, parents, and grandparents—proves we’re all riding the same roller coaster… just in different seats.
Shine On,
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The Super U Podcast is hosted by #1 bestselling author and AI Keynote Speaker Erik Qualman.
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