Scroll, stress, vote: Gen Z fights election anxiety

By Luke Gehm/Kent State NewsLab

For Generation Z, the challenge of the 2024 presidential election lies not only in engaging in the democratic process, but also managing their mental health amid an overwhelming deluge of information and opinions on social media.

“I see my friends getting into arguments online, and it stresses me out,” said Jake Wilson, a senior at Northwest High School in Canal Fulton. “Sometimes, I wonder if I should even post about politics because I don’t want to upset anyone, but if I don’t speak up, I feel like I’m not doing my part.” 

More than 70% of Gen Z has reported experiencing anxiety related to social media use, especially during significant events like elections according to a recent study. The pressure to engage with constant updates, debates and political content can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of stress and helplessness — and a desire to change what shows up in their feeds.

“I feel like I have to stay informed,” said 20-year-old North Canton resident Maya Fedder. “Especially with issues like abortion rights and the economy at stake in this election. But sometimes it feels overwhelming. There are just so many voices, so much noise, and it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not.”

A global survey by the McKinsey Health Institute found social media consumption often affects Gen Z’s mental health more negatively than older generations.

Misinformation on social media adds to the emotional toll. The survey also found the flood of information — true and false — makes it difficult for many young people to navigate the political landscape. This sense of uncertainty can create additional stress, forcing Gen Z voters to question what to believe and how to participate in the process. 

Twenty-year-old cosmetologist and Brewster resident Olivia Davis said people need to increase their digital literacy to create a better environment for discussions on media platforms.

“I see a lot of disagreement on social media regarding political topics,” Davis said. “Rather than just ending the discussion, I tend to see comments attacking not just the different ideas, but the people who said those ideas, which leads to the negative perception people have about social media and politics.” 

Despite the anxiety surrounding this election, Gen Z is still committed to making their voices heard and felt. 

According to a Tufts University study, 28.4% of Gen Z cast a ballot in the 2022 midterm elections. That’s higher than 23% of Millennials in 2006 and 23.5% of Gen X in 1990, when those generations first made up the 18-24 age group.

“I’ve seen friends get really discouraged by the negativity,” Fedder said. “It makes them want to disengage completely, which isn’t what we need right now.” 

To combat that, young voters like Davis are taking steps to curate their online experience and focus on substantive discussions. 

“I’ve started following accounts promoting positive messages or providing well-researched content,” she said. “It’s made a difference in how I feel about politics.” 

Positive engagement with social media, such as following credible sources, like official news organizations, or using digital wellness apps, such as Headspace, can help mitigate some of the stress. 

The McKinsey Health Institute’s study found more than half of all age groups, including Gen Z, cited social media as a useful tool for self-expression and social connectivity, even during challenging times like an election cycle. 

“It’s all about balance,” Fedder said. “We can fight for what we believe in while also taking care of ourselves.”

This story was originally published by the Kent State NewsLab, a collaborative news outlet publishing journalism by Kent State students.