In recent years, Gen Z—the cohort born between 1997 and 2012—has stepped into the global spotlight, not just as a demographic force but as a generation uniquely shaped by crisis, technology, and a rapidly shifting social landscape. As of October 2025, this group makes up about 30% of both the workforce and the electorate, according to Millennium Post, underscoring their growing influence in society’s most crucial arenas.
But who are Gen Z, really? And what drives their actions, anxieties, and aspirations? The answer, it seems, is as complex and multifaceted as the world they’ve inherited. A new poll by BlueShield of California’s BlueSky youth mental health initiative and Children Now sheds light on the inner workings of Gen Z’s collective psyche, revealing that 94% of California youth aged 14 to 25 report experiencing mental health challenges in an average month. The survey, conducted from April through June 2025 and reported by Athletech News, paints a sobering picture: young people are deeply affected by everything from climate anxiety and economic uncertainty to social media pressures and concerns about safety.
“The data shows youth are deeply affected by the world around them, from climate anxiety and safety to social media pressures. Young people are concerned about the future and how we treat one another,” said Dr. Nicole Stelter, director of behavioral health at Blue Shield of California. She continues, “It’s more important than ever that clinicians, educators, policymakers and caring adults listen to what our youth are saying and treat this seriously for what it is—a youth mental health crisis.”
Financial worries top the list of Gen Z’s concerns. According to the BlueSky-Children Now survey, 87% of respondents expressed anxiety over housing affordability, 84% over the cost of groceries, and 73% over finding a good job. These numbers reflect a generation coming of age in an era of economic turbulence, where the dream of stability often feels out of reach. Yet, despite these financial woes, Gen Z remains steadfast in prioritizing their physical and mental well-being over traditional markers of success.
A global study from earlier in 2025 found that 51% of young people rated their mental and/or physical health as an important measure of future success, while fewer placed the same emphasis on career accomplishments. In fact, a 2023 study by the healthy eating app Lifesum revealed that 48% of Gen Z and Millennials would quit their current job “tomorrow” for one that better supports their health and wellness. This mindset is shifting the workplace landscape and challenging older generations’ notions of what it means to “make it.”
Fitness, too, is central to Gen Z’s idea of self-care. A recent survey by The Gym Group, as reported by Athletech News, found that 44% of respondents aged 16 to 28 rank fitness as their top first or second discretionary spend, and a remarkable 73% report working out at least twice per week—an 11 percentage point increase from 2024. The benefits go beyond the physical: 87% of young people in The Gym Group survey said working out improves or significantly improves their mental health, and 55% listed mental health as one of their top three reasons for exercising. Other self-care strategies abound, from listening to music and entertainment (77%) to engaging in hobbies (62%) and spending time outdoors (41%).
Colleges are taking note. Institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, University of San Diego, and University of Texas have opened or plan to open wellness hubs and branded fitness zones, providing students with free access to resources that support both body and mind. These efforts reflect a broader recognition that Gen Z’s needs are different—and perhaps more urgent—than those of previous generations.
Yet, Gen Z’s drive to improve their well-being doesn’t stop at the individual level. According to Blue Shield’s report, many young people are engaging in pro-climate efforts such as reducing plastic use and picking up litter, even as they grapple with the daunting realities of climate change. Despite the challenges, there’s a current of optimism running through the generation: 63% report feeling hopeful for the future, a sentiment that seems to fuel their activism and community engagement.
But Gen Z is not just about self-care and optimism—they’re also a generation of activists. As Millennium Post details, Gen Z is vocal and proactive on issues like climate change, mental health, racial equity, gun control, and economic inequality. Their activism is often catalyzed by social media, which has become a powerful tool for mobilizing collective action. From the Black Lives Matter movement, echoed in protests across 60 countries, to student-led demonstrations on the Israel–Palestine conflict since October 2023, Gen Z has shown a willingness to confront established orders and demand accountability.
Recent years have seen youth-led uprisings with real political consequences. In 2022, Sri Lanka’s Aragalaya protest movement forced the president to flee. In 2025, similar unrest in Bangladesh led to the prime minister’s ouster and a new regime, while violent protests in Nepal and Kenya resulted in deaths, the collapse of governments, and, in Nepal’s case, the appointment of an ex-Chief Justice as caretaker prime minister after the army intervened to restore order. These events highlight both the power and the perils of Gen Z’s activism.
Yet, as Millennium Post cautions, Gen Z’s movements are often leaderless and lack a clear ideological foundation or long-term vision. “A rudderless ship, it is more often than not a free-for-all street show, often with violence and vandalism as its modus operandi. It has neither a clear ideological force behind it nor a streamlined organisation to sustain the movement for long,” the article notes. The aftermath can be a political vacuum, as seen in Nepal, or the risk of manipulation by vested interests.
Historical parallels abound. The French Revolution, the Cultural Revolution in China, and the People’s Power Revolution in the Philippines are cited as cautionary tales: while youth-led uprisings can topple regimes, they may also pave the way for new forms of authoritarianism or chaos if not channeled constructively. Studies show that Gen Z, perhaps more than previous generations, expects government—not businesses or individuals—to solve society’s problems. This expectation sometimes leads to frustration and, in extreme cases, violent clashes.
According to Jason Richmond, Founder and Chief Culture Officer of Ideal Outcomes, Inc., every generation is stereotyped—Boomers as resistant to change, Gen X as apathetic, Millennials as entitled. But Gen Z, equipped with modern technology and a global outlook, faces unique challenges and opportunities. The article argues that Gen Z’s energy must be channeled toward nation-building, with an emphasis on spiritual values and civic education to prevent the pitfalls of violent activism. “Issues can only be resolved through constitutional means and the democratic process. However, engaging with Gen Z by addressing issues of trust deficit is necessary for all dispensations today. Ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and accountability of public offices will help the process,” it concludes.
For all their anxieties and activism, Gen Z remains a generation defined by hope, resilience, and a relentless drive to shape a better future. Their actions—whether in the gym, on campus, or in the streets—are reshaping not just their own lives, but the world at large.
