Why Are Gen Z Girls Suffering So Much? - Freya India

Chris Williamson・2 minutes read

There is a mental health crisis in Gen Z, particularly affecting girls, with social media playing a significant role in influencing behaviors and perceptions. Selfie editing, body dysmorphia, and unrealistic beauty standards are perpetuated by social media, impacting mental health and self-image.

Insights

Suicide rates among girls aged 12-14 in the US saw a staggering 138% increase between 2012-2019, highlighting a severe mental health crisis in this demographic.
Social media platforms like Instagram and editing apps have been linked to declines in mental health, with girls spending more time online and becoming vulnerable to targeted advertising and exploitation by companies.
The normalization of mental health diagnoses, glamorization of medications like SSRIs on platforms like TikTok, and the blurring of virtual and real-life experiences through social media have significant impacts on Gen Z's mental health and behaviors.

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How does social media impact mental health?
Social media influences self-perception and behaviors negatively.

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Summary

00:00

"Gen Z Mental Health Crisis and Social Media"

Mental health crisis in Gen Z, especially affecting girls since early 2010s
Suicide rate increase for white middle-aged men by 3%, but for girls aged 12-14 by 138% in the US between 2012-2019
Social media's impact on mental health debated, with studies linking decline to rise of social media platforms like Instagram and editing apps
Girls spend more time on social media, leading to increased vulnerability to targeted advertising and data collection by companies
Companies exploit girls' vulnerabilities through targeted advertising, bombarding them with products to address insecurities
Unlimited messaging therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace provide instant gratification, hindering development of resilience
Therapy culture promotes idea that every negative emotion is diagnosable and solvable through their services, adding pressure on Gen Z
Hot girl pills refer to SSRIs or antidepressants glamorized on platforms like TikTok, contributing to normalization of mental health diagnoses
Gen Z spends significant time on social media, forming assumptions about themselves and the world, impacting real-life discussions and behaviors
Online presence blurs distinction between virtual and real life, influencing behaviors and perceptions, with social media becoming primary source of information and influence.

15:56

Social media impacts mental health discussions

Gen Z content on TikTok glamorizes surgery while some children worry about mental health
Children end up on medication without a proper diagnosis due to extreme content on TikTok
Parents may overlook mental health issues in children as the algorithm tailors content to individuals
Campaigns to normalize mental health discussions have evolved, but some subgroups still need encouragement
Influencers like Dr. Alex promote sharing mental health medication on social media to fight stigma
Concerns arise about young fans sharing mental health issues online without considering future implications
The trend of documenting personal moments for social media is criticized for detracting from genuine experiences
Meaningful moments are cheapened when filmed for social media, shifting focus from the actual experience
The pressure to make moments marketable for others while experiencing them is seen as dystopian
The threshold for capturing moments for social media has lowered, impacting the authenticity of memories

30:59

Neglected aspects in mental health guidance

Mental health advice often focuses on products, services, and medication, neglecting the importance of personal reflection and lifestyle choices for managing common issues like anxiety and stress.
Prioritizing real human connections, community, proper nutrition, and exercise are essential aspects often overlooked in mental health guidance.
There is a lack of emphasis on personal responsibility and self-improvement in mental health campaigns and influencer culture, leading to a dearth of guidance for young women.
The absence of role models advocating discipline and self-improvement for young women contributes to a significant gap in mental health advice tailored to this demographic.
The upcoming decade may witness a shift in focus from female mental health crises to male body image issues, with societal standards for male physique evolving towards hyper-muscular ideals.
Social media platforms facilitate indirect aggression and exclusion among girls, fostering negative behaviors and insecurities that companies exploit for profit.
Selfie editing has transitioned from a discreet practice to a celebrated form of self-expression, with companies promoting it as empowering and self-loving.
Despite the prevalent messages of self-love and body positivity, Gen Z faces rising rates of cosmetic surgeries, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders, influenced by social media's distorted self-perception.
Constant exposure to filtered and idealized images on social media contributes to selfie dysmorphia, where individuals struggle to reconcile their real appearance with their online persona.
The discrepancy between online portrayals and real-life appearances fuels a cycle of distorted self-perception and comparison, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and self-image issues.

46:51

"Filter Dysmorphia and Gen Z Dating Trends"

The concept of mirror dysmorphia or phone dysmorphia is discussed, where individuals perceive themselves differently on their phones compared to real life due to editing and filters.
Evolution of filters from Snapchat to TikTok is highlighted, with current filters being seamless and realistic, allowing for body and facial modifications in videos and photos.
Instances of individuals using filters to alter their appearance significantly, leading to potential body dysmorphia concerns.
Anecdotes from Love Island All Stars season, including a contestant undergoing extreme plastic surgery transformations, sparking internet discussions.
The gradual process of extreme plastic surgery enhancements leading individuals to potentially not recognize the extent of their changes.
Influence of social media algorithms in promoting extreme body modifications and the trend of influencers reversing procedures due to not recognizing themselves.
Discussion on influencers posting unflattering yet flattering photos to showcase vulnerabilities, questioning the authenticity of such posts.
Analysis of the divergence in worldviews and values between Gen Z girls and guys, with girls leaning towards progressive views influenced by education and social media algorithms.
Observations on Gen Z girls being risk-averse in dating and relationships, with a prevalent negative and cynical outlook on dating advice and red flags.
Exploration of the reasons behind Gen Z's risk aversion, including fear of vulnerability, societal influences, and a culture of avoiding discomfort and risk.

01:02:21

"Risk Aversion Hinders Meaningful Life Experiences"

Fear of discomfort and risk aversion lead to missing out on meaningful experiences.
Child-free TikTok content reflects fear of discomfort and risks associated with having children.
Young women on TikTok warn about risks and discomfort of pregnancy and children.
A girl creates a list of 350 reasons not to have children, including health risks and lifestyle changes.
Public prioritizes job satisfaction and friendship over marriage and parenthood for a fulfilling life.
Women value job satisfaction more than men, while men prioritize marriage and children more.
Lack of role models promoting family values contributes to societal focus on fame and money.
Authenticity in online influencers is challenging, often leading to performative behavior.
Jen Z engages in more casual sex and "situationships" without commitment, causing relationship issues.
Paradoxes in young women's lives, such as risk aversion and sex positivity, reflect defense mechanisms and societal pressures.

01:17:59

Challenges of Modern Relationships and Parenting

Sex positivity and casual sex are widely discussed as empowering, but many individuals struggle with commitment in relationships, leading to doubts and red flags.
Despite the emphasis on sex positivity, there is real pain and confusion underlying modern life's loud narratives.
Performative empathy and toxic compassion contribute to paradoxes as people navigate societal expectations and personal desires.
Individuals often outsource sense-making to the internet, leading to conflicting messages on topics like sex and relationships.
Feminists sometimes promote commodifying oneself online as fun and empowering, but acknowledge the risks when it comes to younger audiences.
Divorce is increasingly glamorized in mainstream culture, with celebrities like Adele turning it into a personal brand and merchandise.
The celebration of divorce parties and the portrayal of divorce as self-love and empowering serve as defense mechanisms to avoid confronting the negative impacts on families.
Family breakdown, particularly divorce, is not adequately addressed in discussions on mental health, despite its significant impact on children's well-being.
Family breakdown exacerbates mental health issues in Gen Z, contributing to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm.
Progressive parenting styles, emphasizing compassion over discipline, may not be as effective as more conservative approaches in raising children.

01:34:05

"Freya: Tough Love Role Model in BBW Squad"

Freya is described as a tough love female role model, part of the based British women Squad with Louise, Mary, Helen Lewis, and Nina Power, but they need to change their acronym from BBW due to its association with a type of porn. Freya's articles can be found on her substack at FreyaIndia.co.uk and on Twitter at FreyaIndia.

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