As we have discussed in one of the previous articles: Gen Z is the unhappiest generation. With the expansion of technology and social media, Gen Z is more susceptible to negativity in the online space, and therefore, they often find themselves feeling uncomfortable and sometimes… constantly worried about everything.

Being the generation growing up with social media and the Internet available since the day they were born, Gen Zers often turn to a more “digital” approach to deal with their mental problems: teletherapy.

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Well, it should not come as a surprise if you see young people these days tend to spend most of their time on SNS platforms, discussing and sharing their insights about everything around the globe. According to a 2023 Surgeon General report [1], up to 95% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 use social media, with at least 35% of them spending over two hours a day on these platforms, as reported by McKinsey [2]. McKinsey also noted that nearly three out of five Gen Z individuals spend at least one to two hours daily on social platforms, with 35% surpassing the two-hour mark. In contrast, only 44% of millennials engage with social media for one to two hours daily, and approximately one in four spend over two hours on these platforms [3].

And it should also not come as a surprise if what Gen Zers use the most is what hurts them the most. These digital spaces are basically what shaped Gen Z’s perception, from self-image to healthcare:

Toxic idealized beauty standards have long been a concern among teenage girls, and it just gets worse now that social media platforms are flooded with images of models showcasing flawless bodies to influencers with impeccably contoured features. TikTok and Instagram offer a long list of filters and special effects to enhance one’s photos/videos before uploading. Therefore, most Gen Z might experience a sense of inadequacy because of false perceptions of beauty and perfection.

What’s next? Oh yeah, cyberbullying. People are more confident when it comes to sharing their opinions on the Internet, it could either be constructive criticism or the most discourteous thing that someone in the right frame of mind would not say in public. Over half of young individuals aged 12 to 20 have encountered cyberbullying, with appearance being cited as the primary rationale for such harassment. One significant impact of social media on Gen Z is the proliferation of cyberbullying. This phenomenon carries significant consequences, with more than 40% of respondents reporting experiencing feelings of anxiety or sadness as a result of such online abuse [4].

Negative news contributes as much to the mental well-being of Gen Z as the other factors. News about wars, global warming, climate change, public shootings, etc. tend to reach Gen Zer’s newsfeed quite often. And the fact that there is nothing to know if the news comes from a trusted source or not, Gen Zers find it hard to keep themselves from feeling overwhelmed by all the negativity they’re experiencing.

Healthcare misinformation spread like wildfire. Self-claimed doctors and nutrient professionals are frequently seen on social media, sharing healthcare tips and tricks with people across the space. While most of those tips have been proved wrong by certificated physicians, they just sound so…trustworthy that Gen Zers just turn to TikTok instead of professionals for health advice. It is revealed that TikTok is emerging as the primary destination for Gen Z seeking health guidance, in lieu of going to doctors, according to the MM+M magazine [5]. These incorrect self-diagnoses soon turn into a struggle for these young adults.

But does this stop Gen Z from using social platforms? Mostly no. Despite Gen Z being more outspoken about their dissatisfaction with social media and technology, they still dedicate more time to social media than any other generation. And as people always say, “Modern problems require modern solutions,” teletherapy comes into the picture.

While some argue that patients benefit more from face-to-face therapy sessions than attending virtual ones, research and studies say this isn’t the case. According to the American Psychological Association (2020), telehealth has been found to be just as effective as in-person therapy. Research also indicates that telehealth does not adversely affect the therapeutic alliance and can, in some instances, even strengthen rapport [6].

But what makes young adults choose virtual therapy over the traditional method?

Ah, yes, the obvious reasons: accessible, comfortable, flexible. The only difference between teletherapy and in-person therapy sessions is that the client and therapist are not in the same room, so that should save these young adults a lot of time traveling. Additionally, we usually only see the top half of each other’s bodies so any attire would work: sweatpants, cozy socks, hoodies, and even weird slippers.

Teletherapy's flexibility enables young adults to book appointments at convenient times, allowing them to fit the sessions into their busy schedules without significant disruptions. Gen Z clients are generally comfortable communicating through online meeting platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet, and this tendency has formed a strengthened sense of familiarity after social distancing during COVID-19. Building rapport with a therapist can also feel more natural for clients who are more comfortable in their own homes, which can enhance the sense of connection and agency.

Traditional in-person therapy might not be suitable for everyone, especially for Gen Zers who are deemed to be a socially awkward generation, so it will be better if they feel they have control over their own space. Speaking of social awkwardness, there is something about Gen Zers that turned them into “lonely people”, according to USA Today.

There are several factors that contribute to how Gen Zers develop their sense of isolation: erosion of neighborhood communities; fracturing of families; decline in social interactions; decreased social time with co-workers; and less interest in in-person activities, to name a few. However, the USA Today pointed out that their over-reliance on smartphones and social media is never the main reason why Gen Zers are left feeling alone:

"While it’s tempting to blame Gen Z’s reliance on smartphones and social media, the data don’t bear that out: The survey didn’t find a significant difference in loneliness levels between those who used social media often or infrequently." [7]

So, given how socially inept they have become, it’s understandable why Gen Zers favor teletherapy over traditional in-person sessions.

In fact, according to a 2023 report on Gen Z’s take on healthcare, approximately 22.1% of Gen Zers in the US consistently turn to social media for health-related information. In contrast, only 15.6% rarely and 7.1% never rely on social media for such information [8]. Living in a technologically driven world, they embrace every aspect of technology. As a popular technology, telehealth as well as teletherapy is particularly influential for this generation.

Reasons that keep Gen Zers from exploring their healthcare needs. Image source: genzhealth.com

Furthermore, it is far less expensive and more cost-effective to get checked and tested via telehealth services than it is at standard medical facilities. Additionally, since you receive first-rate medical care at home, there are no travel expenses. Besides, as this generation has not found their requirements satisfied by the traditional primary care ecosystem, thus they are "self-prescribing" to construct a patchwork of customized solutions. Most choose to download various teletherapy applications to their devices, which offer personalized treatment plans, promising better care.

Of course, there will be some challenges to expect with these online therapy sessions. Let’s see what they are!

As both patients and therapists can only see the top half of one another through the screens, it might pose a significant challenge for both sides to have a complete view of the body language or interaction cues, which could impact the therapeutic experience.

Moreover, interacting with your therapists online would never make you feel as engaged or close as in an in-person session.

Technology malfunctions during live teletherapy sessions can occur quite frequently. Slow internet connections, frozen screens, or distorted audio could disrupt the flow of the session.

Despite being tech-savvy, privacy remains one of Gen Z’s biggest concerns when it comes to going online. Most might find it uncomfortable to share personal information on digital platforms or filling in an online form could raise worries about data security and confidentiality.

Being the generation growing up entirely with the availability of technology and social media, health concerns related to their usage of these advances remain relevant.

Problems such as anxiety, depression, sleep disruptions, obesity, eyesight limitations, and screen fatigue might exacerbate the very issues they seek to address through teletherapy.

As the digital age unfolds, let us remember that technology is a tool, not a replacement for genuine human connection. However, for a generation that grew up with screens at their fingertips, teletherapy provides a lifeline—a way to take control of mental health, cope with stressors, and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Teletherapy is merely a more “digital” approach for Gen Zers, it should not be considered an absolute solution for the mental struggles that they are experiencing. But as Gen Z is currently deemed as a “self-prescribing” generation, they might just embrace this blend of technology and healthcare, and continue shaping a world where mental well-being knows no boundaries.