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October 1, 2024

Generations

Generation Anxious: Gen Z More Prone to Fear, Uncertainty Than Older Generations

Based on new Barna data, anxiety and uncertainty continue to be most prominent among Gen Z compared to older generations

39% of Gen Z report always feeling uncertain about the future and say they’re anxious about important decisions

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Another 39% are afraid to fail

Get to Know Gen Z

Discover how Gen Z are fairing mentally and emotionally right now.

New Barna data reveals that anxiety and uncertainty continue to be most prominent among Gen Z compared to older generations. About two in five Gen Z report always feeling uncertain about the future (39%), anxious about important decisions (39%) and afraid to fail (38%).

Alongside this, younger respondents are significantly less likely than older respondents to say they never feel lonely, isolated from others, anxious about important decisions, overwhelmed with responsibilities, among other emotions.

A chart titled 'Younger Generations are Grappling with Worry, Loneliness'

For a more detailed look at how Gen Z are faring mentally and emotionally right now, check out the recent article “Over Half of Gen Z Teens Feel Motivated to Learn More About Jesus.”

Interested in browsing all of Barna’s data on Gen Z? Sign up for a free 7-day trial to Barna Access Plus and check out our Next Generation channel.

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