By Madison Weber, MHC-LP
Generation Z is the collection of individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s.
They are commonly admired for their commitment to diversity and inclusion, being more accepting of others’ gender and sexual identities, being socially conscious and environmentally aware, independent thinking, challenging social norms, as well as, being entrepreneurial around creating opportunities to contribute to social change.
There is an ongoing narrative that “Gen Z will save the world.”
But at what cost…
While these are all amazing characteristics of Gen Z, many of these attributes may also be contributing to their levels of increasing anxiety.
Studies are beginning to show that Gen Z and Millenials are experiencing higher levels of anxiety compared to previous generations.
Gen Z has grown up with an all-consuming technology presence, allowing them to quickly learn how to social media and engage in communication and connection with others online. While these platforms offer connectivity, they also expose individuals to constant comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a curated online image.
While this generation is praised for its social consciousness, issues such as climate change, social justice, and political polarization can be a source of stress for individuals who feel a strong sense of responsibility to address these challenges.
Similarly, Gen Z has witnessed and lived through significant global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence in schools, terrorism and war, and climate change among much more. These events can contribute to a sense of uncertainty about the future and concerns about personal and collective well-being.
The constant barrage of information and societal pressures has contributed to an environment where anxiety can thrive. Along with academic stress, societal expectations, and the relentless pursuit of perfection, the roots of anxiety have started to inhibit many in this generation.
One of the curious developments to Gen Z anxiety is the phenomenon known as “menu anxiety.”
Let’s consider what could be contributing to this phenomenon.
- Choice Overload: Menu anxiety often stems from having too many options to choose from. This is a real cognitive impairment that occurs when someone is presented with a large variety of options, and research suggests this can cause overwhelm, leading to a harder time making decisions.
- Decision Fatigue: Imagine you have been making decisions for yourself, your family, and work all day long. And now you’re required to make a decision at a restaurant. Sounds easy? For some it might be straightforward, but for others, not so much. Making choices requires mental effort, and repeatedly making decisions can lead to decision fatigue. This can affect the quality of subsequent decisions and contribute to anxiety.
- Personal Preferences: Menu anxiety can highlight individual preferences and dietary restrictions. Imagine the anxiety for someone who is gluten free at a new Italian restaurant, or a vegetarian at a steakhouse. Some people may struggle because they want to make the healthiest choice, while others may have specific dietary needs or preferences. While the ability to tailor orders to personal preferences is appreciated, it also adds an extra layer of decision-making complexity. Crafting the perfect combination of ingredients becomes a daunting task for those already grappling with menu anxiety.
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): One key factor contributing to Gen Z’s menu anxiety is pervasive FOMO. People often want to make choices that will lead to a satisfying meal, but what if many different options look satisfying? Menu anxiety may stem from a desire to select the best option that aligns with one’s taste preferences and expectations. The fear that they might choose the wrong dish and miss out on a potentially Instagram-worthy or culturally significant culinary experience can be paralyzing when faced with an extensive menu.
- Influence of Others: Dining is often a social activity, and the choices of others at the table can influence individual decision-making. Menu anxiety may be heightened in group settings where there is a desire to choose something that pleases everyone. This may also contribute to a loss of social interactions during meals, as the focus shifts from connection to decision-making.
Upon my own self reflection, I realized that I have fallen into this pattern, as well as many of my friends. I often find myself looking at the Instagram page, website, and menu of the restaurant before I even get there! I remember comments from my friends like “I saw that they have this on the menu when I looked earlier,” or “I want to get this because it looks so good, but I also want this,” or we spend time trying to figure out how to please everyone by splitting certain dishes and making sure we have met everyone’s needs (Spoiler alert: That is not always possible and feels like emotional Tetris).
As Gen Z continues to shape and redefine societal norms, it’s crucial to acknowledge and understand their unique challenges.
Menu anxiety is just one manifestation of the broader shifts in preferences and behaviors that characterize this generation.
If things like menus are creating anxiety for this generation, we need to keep an eye out for additional forces acting on Gen Z that could also be contributing to anxiety.
This could look like increasing pressure placed on high schoolers applying to college, increases in inflation, an unpredictable job market and economy.
By fostering a more mindful approach to mental health, we can help Gen Z, and future generations, develop resilience and coping skills for these trends.
Research in this area can also promote inclusion in other spaces as we remove the stigma around mental health and anxiety, and promote collaboration around developing solutions to help individuals thrive.
