What's up with Generation Z?
Is the reported rise in mental illness among under-25s down to more awareness and less stigma – or is something truly amiss with young people? We ask therapists, academics and survivors
www.theguardian.comHere are the latest widely covered themes about Generation Z up to now:
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Gen Z and the labor market: Several reports note that youth unemployment remains higher than overall rates in many regions, even as overall job openings recover. The story is less about automation alone and more about slower hiring, skills gaps, and the need for retraining and apprenticeships. This trend is highlighted in recent global summaries and corporate surveys, which also stress that many Gen Z workers are leveraging AI tools to boost productivity and explore multiple income streams.[1][2][3]
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Attitudes toward AI and work: Gen Z is often described as the most AI-proficient generation in the workplace, with a majority reporting regular use of AI to solve problems. Yet they remain concerned about the impact of AI on careers and emphasize the importance of upskilling and practical training from employers.[2][1]
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Education and alternative paths: There is growing discussion about foregoing traditional higher education in favor of alternative learning and on-the-job training, as the cost of living rises and technology accelerates the need for lifelong learning. Many Gen Z respondents expect employers to provide robust upskilling and AI literacy programs.[2]
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Mental health and wellbeing: Multiple outlets have reported ongoing concerns about mental health among under-25s, with debates about whether increased awareness, stigma reduction, or real stressors (cost of living, academic pressure, social media) drive observed trends. This topic frequently intersects with youth unemployment and job market uncertainty.[3]
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Regional variation: Youth labor-market outcomes vary significantly by country and region. In the US, for example, the youth unemployment rate sits higher than the national average while some economies in Asia and Africa show steeper gaps, reflecting structural factors beyond AI. Global surveys emphasize that upskilling, apprenticeships, and targeted programs can help close these gaps.[1]
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Employer strategies: Many organizations plan to upskill and retrain workers, including AI training, but a substantial share cite skills gaps as a barrier. Gen Z is adapting by pursuing blue-collar or vocational paths in some markets, attracted by stability and automation-resistant roles.[1][2]
If you’d like, I can narrow this to a specific region (e.g., Poland/Europe, the US, or Asia) or extract the latest numbers and quotes from the sources above, and I can also present a concise summary with key takeaways for policymakers, educators, or employers. I can also fetch more recent items or provide a quick chart of trends if you want a visual.