New Delhi, November 30 (IANS). Changing lifestyles, constant presence of social media and education workloads have begun to affect today’s young minds more than ever. In many countries, including India, the level of anxiety and stress among Gen Z, especially young people under 25 years of age, has increased rapidly in recent years. New Delhi, November 30 (IANS). Changing lifestyles, constant presence of social media and education workloads have begun to affect today’s young minds more than ever. In many countries, including India, the level of anxiety and stress among Gen Z, especially young people under 25 years of age, has increased rapidly in recent years. In 2023, SRM University AP (Andhra Pradesh), Amravati and several partner institutions conducted a comprehensive study on 1,628 youth from eight major cities of India—Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Delhi. In this study, about 70 percent of the participants had moderate to severe levels of anxiety, 60 percent had depression, and more than 70 percent had high levels of distress. According to the study, the main reasons for increasing anxiety among the youth include ever-increasing competition, career uncertainty, psychological pressure and worry about the future. Social media has given rise to a culture of comparison, where each person looks at the achievements of others and underestimates himself. It turns out to be extremely damaging mentally. In addition, study and work load, family and society’s expectations, and economic pressures also exacerbate anxiety and stress among youth. The study also talked about solutions. It said that psychological support, timely counselling, regular physical activity, proper sleep time, limited use of social media and emotionally open communication with family and friends can help reduce anxiety in youth. Also important is the scientifically proven fact that sharing stress reduces mental burden and puts the mind in a state of relief. Emotional ups and downs are natural at this age, but when anxiety becomes persistent, it is very important to understand it and act in time. –IANS KR/