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New research in the UK has found that young people are now five times more likely to have ‘no close friendships’ compared to 2014. Experts believe it is a mix of austerity, economic hardship, TikTok, and a loss of self-esteem that has caused a perfect storm of isolation. What can Gen Z do?
Is Gen Z facing a social crisis? A new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) called ‘The Loneliest Generation’ has found young people in England are feeling increasingly isolated, with 1 in 20 saying they have no close friends at all. This is a fivefold increase from 2014 and paints a worrying picture of disconnect, low self-esteem, and chronic anxiety among Gen Zers.
The IPPR says that the ‘foundations of a good adolescence have eroded,’ pointing toward neoliberalism, identity politics, and an abandonment of societal collectivism as primary factors. It argues that the expected transitions to adulthood are now blocked, with most Gen Zers unable to buy property and struggling to find meaningful work or training. It describes this phenomenon as being ‘stuck in limbo,’ with a significant portion of young people feeling they are ‘no longer children [yet] are unable to access adult life.’
How does this translate into real-world behaviours? Unsurprisingly, the rise of social media platforms like TikTok has coincided with this increasing disconnect, as more young people doomscroll in private as a regular pastime. This was one of the most common answers given by Gen Z as part of the IPPR study and is one of the worst catalysts for feeling inadequate and lonely. Social media gives us a warped perception of the happiness and successes of others, leaving us feeling substandard in comparison.
Gen Z is increasingly obsessed with ‘third spaces’ too; running clubs, book groups, and other bonding activities are enjoying unprecedented popularity, no doubt a response to feeling boxed in and isolated. We’ve written before about Gen Z’s perfectionist tendencies, as they jump into fitness and ‘maxxing’ everything in order to feel in control of their futures and identities. This isn’t an inherently bad thing, but it does suggest that social needs are not being met, leaving Gen Z to seek out new connections through intentional, structured activities.
This, in turn, leads to an erosion of spontaneity and organic interactions, which have ripple effects across our daily lives, from dating to careers.
Older generations frequently complain about the ‘Gen Z stare,’ for example, and employers are grumbling that young people ‘don’t know how to behave’ in professional settings. It’s easy to place blame squarely at the feet of Gen Z, especially when millennials and Gen Xers grew up in an entirely different world and are unable to really empathise in a meaningful way. The reality, however, is that young people are coming of age in a post-pandemic job market, having grown up with intense algorithms and greater pressure than ever to be successful. Their futures are uncertain and largely out of their hands, which only spurs on nihilism and apathy.
So, what can be done? This is obviously a complex social issue that requires nuance, and no amount of proactive positivity can outweigh the looming chokehold of capitalism on Gen Z’s prospects. Still, there are short-term behaviours that can help to alleviate some of these feelings, and as the IPPR study notes, there is ‘plenty of reason for hope.’
One simple approach to creating more spontaneity and connection is to blur the lines and softly abandon the rigid, organised boxes that many Gen Z friendships fall into. Asking out colleagues for a coffee or a pub visit is a good start. Chatting to someone in your running club and making an effort can go a long way. Reaching out and stepping into slightly uncomfortable territory can be endlessly rewarding, and it is a behaviour that Gen Z is less accustomed to compared to older peers.
Not everything has to be expensive, either. As we know from the IPPR report, third spaces are fewer and further between in 2026, thanks to years of government cuts and neglect of young people’s needs. Running is a great example of a cheap, social activity, but other options like walking, visiting a park, attending a free exhibition, or just spending time at another person’s house are all viable. Many Gen Zers are stretched thin financially, and it serves as a barrier to proper interaction unless addressed. There are ways around it – it just might require some ingenuity.
Not to sound like a boomer, but putting social media aside, at least partially, can be a big help to improve confidence, mood, and mental clarity, too.
Gen Z has said that they rely on their phones and online spaces despite deeply mistrusting the platforms and content they consume, which suggests an inherent desire to step away that they struggle to realise. Keep in contact with friends via Snapchat or WhatsApp, obviously, but try to avoid doomscrolling and TikTok when you catch yourself suckered in. We know it’s tough – we’re just as bad – but research has shown that social media has fundamentally shifted away from connection and more toward advertisement and automated consumption. These apps are designed to make us feel worse, to show unrealistic social standards, and to compare ourselves to the ideals of others. Taking breaks can help to snap out of the cycle.
Whichever strategy you adopt, it’s hard not to argue that the UK’s hostile political climate and unforgiving economic landscape have pushed many Gen Zers into a corner. They feel unable to grasp onto anything tangible that will guarantee them long-lasting success, which is causing stress, burnout, and isolation. Young people are trying to form connections, but the world they inhabit must change to boost them rather than pull them downward. Until then, we’re likely to keep ringing the alarm on young people’s mental health.
See also:
- Did Meta fail to protect Gen Z?
- Does ‘nickel-and-diming’ make Gen Z stingy?
- Studying the social media spectacle of a solar eclipse?
