Introduction
Gen-Z is the most studied generation amongst all generations owing to their constant exposure to the media. When it comes to surveys,focus group discussions and viral think pieces, a lot of studies have decided to take gen-z as their ideal population to study in recent times. Yet, ironically, their hyper-visibility hasn’t been translated into them being misunderstood. Infact, gen-z’s could be the most misunderstood and misinterpreted generation of all. Want to know why? Go on to read this blog which explores why gen-z is misunderstood and its effects on their mental health
Watched, but not understood
Being observed online without being truly heard or understood can be frustrating to experience. This can also lead to what researchers call pseudo-intimacy where a mass of other generations think that they know gen-z’s but they might only be generalizing what they have seen by a small representation on social media. Being over-observed means using every emotional state, every post they see on social media to be used to figure out gen-z’s as a generation. But sometimes, what people don’t realise is that data only tells half the story. A meme can be interpreted as laziness and an “un serious” act, but sometimes it can be a cry for help. On similar lines, activism on social media can be labelled as performative when it can be the only medium through which gen-z’s feel safe enough to raise their voice. This mismatch causes what psychologists call narrative dissonance. It occurs when the rumours being spread or the stories being told don’t match your lived reality. So, it feels like standing in a mirror maze, where there exists multiple alternate realities of who you are but you don’t know which one of them truly defines you
Why Does This Happen?
There are a few key reasons Gen Z feels misheard-
- Data over depth- Studies often prioritize trends and averages rather than a nuanced perspective on individuals and their mixed experiences. Humans have a tendency to categorise people by their most popular traits because it helps them simply understand a large number of people in a smaller amount of time.
- Generational blind spots-Older researchers interpret Gen Z through outdated frameworks, calling digital creativity “screen addiction” or dismissing climate anxiety as “overreaction.” Unfortunately, this also spills over to how gen-z’s are perceived as employees. They are often labeled as being “lazy” “entitled” and “hot-tempered” because they are known to be more out spoken and against the norms as compared to employees of the other generation. Thus, it is a hypothesis that people from other generations might sub-consciously envy the gen-z’s for their outspokenness because it feels like something they wish they had.
What does this mean for them?
This constant over-analysis without true understanding can quietly wear people down. It can lead to the following-
- Self-doubt and identity fatigue - When you’re told who you are often enough, you start questioning your own truth. Moreover, being at an age where gen-’z are just beginning to form their identity does make them feel even more confused than before
- Collective gaslighting-Media stereotypes (“entitled,” “fragile”) clash with lived experiences which ultimately leaves them questioning whether their feelings are valid
- Emotional exhaustion-The endless task of correcting misinterpretations or defending choices drains mental energy.
- Self-silencing- Many withdraw altogether, thinking: “If they’ve already decided who I am, why bother speaking?”
How to take back the story?
One way for the gen-z’s to gain control over how they are being represented is to be a voice in the media which presents nuanced but real information about who they are. As society, we can consider doing a better job at providing spaces for them where personal narratives are valued more than stereotypes or data. Lastly, it is about encouraging researchers, media and people from other generations to realise that not every part of the gen-z generation can be known or explained
Conclusion
Being over-researched yet misunderstood is not a neutral experience-it subtly chips away at identity, trust, and mental well-being. Gen Z doesn’t need more observers telling them who they are; they need witnesses willing to listen. The real healing begins when young people move from being subjects in someone else’s study to becoming storytellers of their own time.
