In recent times, Generation Z is often in the public eye due to their emotional result-oriented activities. Swami Vivekananda believed that all power lies within the individual and that believing in one’s own divinity is the first step toward success. He regarded the youth as the hope of the world, urging them to be fearless, self-reliant, and spiritually grounded. He famously declared, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” advocating for “man-making” education, immense self-faith, and selfless service to others. I strongly believe that Generation Z has been inspired by the powerful voice of Swami Vivekananda. Generation Z has recently spearheaded a global wave of youth led uprisings often termed the “Gen Z Revolution” or “Asian Spring” that in 2024–2025 resulted in the toppling of governments, the resignation of leaders, and massive anti-corruption protests across Asia, Africa, and South America.
Generation Z are also called Zoomers who refers to the demographic cohort born between 1997 and 2012, succeeding Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. As the first truly native digital generation, they grew up with the internet and social media, shaping them into tech-savvy individuals who value diversity, authenticity, and social responsibility. The most prominent example is the July-August 2024 uprising in Bangladesh, where student protesters forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee, leading to the creation of an interim government. In 2025, similar movements successfully led to the resignation of Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the toppling of the government in Madagascar
Gen Z has utilized technology as a core organizational tool, with platforms like Discord, TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram used to coordinate protests, share safety information, and spread anti-corruption messages. In Nepal, protesters even used Discord to virtually “elect” an interim leader. Protests have generally been driven by anger against systemic corruption and inequality, government elite extravagance “nepo babies”, and economic hardship, unemployment and hype in living costs.
The moments spread globally, while starting in Asia (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines), extended to Kenya, Morocco, Madagascar, and Peru, often sharing symbols and strategies. The protests have often been characterized as a “leaderless” revolution, driven by a highly educated yet economically disadvantaged generation aiming for systemic reform rather than just political leadership changes.
Life style crisis
Zoomers such potential energetic positive growth vision are facing a significant mental health disaster, with high rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout linked to social media, academic pressure, and global uncertainty. According to a scientific survey by Harmony Healthcare IT St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States of America, indicates 42% of Gen Z have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Over 40% report needing mental health support, while issues like obesity, PCOS, and chronic pain are rising due to sedentary lifestyles. PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular periods, high androgen levels (male hormones), and small cysts on the ovaries. It impacts fertility and long-term metabolic health.
Added to this anxiety and depression are rampant, often driven by the pressures of a hyper connected, digital-first world. Due to constant social media use leads to loneliness and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), while high career expectations cause burnout. The digital over load can lead to many neurological, psychological and metabolic syndromes. Regardless of being health-conscious in some areas, many face sedentary lifestyle issues, including obesity, high cholesterol and fatty liver, and early signs of chronic diseases. Secondly, increased screen time has led to “tech neck,” bad posture, and computer vision syndrome manifested as eye strain and headache.
In one observational study it is discovered that the environmental and social anxiety concerns about climate change, gun violence, and social issues which in turn greatly contribute to widespread anxiety. Issue of gun license should be strictly under the eye of high-level government officials of the concerned countries.
The other “Sober Curious” Generation group Gen Zers are reducing alcohol consumption, yet they face challenges related to vaping and marijuana use. Vaping marijuana involves inhaling vaporized cannabinoids (THC/CBD) via heated oil, wax, or flower, often perceived as safer than smoking but carrying significant risks. It can deliver higher (THC) tetrahydrocannabinol doses, leading to stronger psychoactive effects, addiction, acute psychosis, and severe lung injury. People using e-cigarettes or Vaping products are developing associated lung injury. It is a serious, sometimes fatal, respiratory illness first identified in 2019 that is caused by vaping, particularly linked to substances like Vitamin E acetate and THC. Symptoms often include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fever, particularly among youth. The vitamin E acetate is a condensing agent in vaping products. The tetrahydrocannabinol (specifically- tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the “high”. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound known for potential therapeutic benefits like pain relief and reduced anxiety. Both are cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. A UNICEF study highlights that 4 in 10 Gen Zer’s need support for their mental health, highlighting a crucial gap in care access.
Management
Approximately 20% of Gen Z have attended therapy, and many using social media to discuss and normalize mental health struggles, which is not a good scientific option. Direct interaction with concerned specialist and consultation on a regular basis with Neuro psychiatrist would yield better results. A rise in using AI (artificial intelligence) tools and chatbots for addressing anxiety and relationship problems is noted. Chatbots are software applications that simulate human conversation through text or voice, often using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to user queries. Modern AI chatbots utilize large language models (LLMs) for context-aware, senseless interactions, commonly used for 24/7 customer service, virtual assistance, and task automation. Readers should keep in mind very carefully and cautiously that not even advanced AI can compete with human mind and also replace the multi-talented HI (Human intelligence). AI has its own limitations, pitfalls, and may commit blunders.
Unfortunately, the adoption of digital tools for meditation and mindful living is increasing to manage anxiety. Without the counselling and scientific medical advice and therapy, the digital way of treatments may be helpful a little, but can lead to irreversible disasters in health care setting. Man is unique in every way, the touch, the speech, the looks, the love, the care, emotions to fellow human beings can never be replaced by gadgets. The smartphone addiction and mental health challenges will be dealt in the coming issue. (To be concluded).
