Every generation laments what’s happening to the ones that came after — it’s always been that way.
However, the truth is that no generation is perfect, and each experienced its fair share of hardships, cultural shifts, and experiences that made life a little tougher than it was before in some ways. Here are some things young people today are dealing with that are less than stellar.
1. Social media is a double-edged sword.
On the surface, social media is brilliant. It helps you stay connected, discover new interests, and even find work opportunities. But the constant flood of curated images and polished lives comes at a cost. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other people, wondering why your life doesn’t measure up. Add in the pressure to stay “always on” and the spread of misinformation, and something meant to bring people together often leaves them feeling lonelier and more overwhelmed than ever.
2. The cost of living is skyrocketing.
Owning a home used to be a realistic goal for young adults, but now it feels like a pipe dream for many. Rent prices are absurd, groceries are expensive, and wages have barely moved in decades. Trying to save for the future while simply surviving day-to-day feels impossible. Even those who manage to get ahead financially often have to sacrifice their mental health and work-life balance to do it.
3. Climate anxiety is real.
Every news headline seems like a grim reminder of how little time we have left to fix the planet. Rising sea levels, wildfires, and extreme weather events aren’t just future concerns—they’re happening now. While many young people are taking action, the slow pace of global change can feel disheartening. It’s hard to stay hopeful when the problems are so big, and the solutions seem so far away.
4. Relationships are harder to maintain.
Dating apps and social media have completely transformed how people connect—and not always for the better. With so many options at your fingertips, it can feel like nobody’s willing to put in the effort to build something real. Instant gratification often replaces meaningful connections, leaving many people feeling replaceable rather than valued. The same goes for friendships, where busy schedules and online-only interactions often leave bonds feeling shallow.
5. Mental health struggles are widespread.
Anxiety and depression aren’t rare—they’re everywhere. The pressures of modern life, from economic uncertainty to social comparison, weigh heavily on young people. While awareness around mental health has improved, actually accessing care is another story. Therapy can be expensive, and waiting lists for affordable services stretch on for months. For many, it feels like you’re just expected to cope on your own, even when things get overwhelming.
6. Job security feels like an outdated idea.
Long gone are the days of landing a job at 21 and staying there until retirement. Today, young people juggle part-time gigs, freelance work, or temporary contracts just to make ends meet. The gig economy promises flexibility but often delivers instability, leaving people wondering how to plan for the future. Saving for a house or even just taking a proper holiday feels like a luxury rather than a given.
7. Privacy is becoming a luxury.
Between social media, apps, and online shopping, your data is being collected constantly. Every click, search, or purchase leaves a digital footprint, and the idea of having a truly private life feels more distant by the day. Even turning off your phone doesn’t guarantee freedom from surveillance. For many, it’s a nagging reminder that we’re never completely off the grid.
8. Education no longer guarantees success.
A university degree used to be the golden ticket to a good career. Now, it’s more like an expensive piece of paper that might land you an entry-level job—if you’re lucky. Student debt looms over many graduates, and the oversaturation of certain industries means jobs are harder to come by. It’s no wonder so many young people question whether higher education is worth the investment anymore.
9. Technology is a constant distraction.
Smartphones and streaming platforms have made life more convenient, but they’ve also made it nearly impossible to disconnect. Notifications pull your attention in a hundred different directions, and hours can vanish scrolling through endless content. While technology has its perks, it’s also exhausting to live in a world that never shuts off. Finding balance feels like a battle you’re always losing.
10. Wealth inequality is glaring.
The gap between the rich and the rest of us has never been more obvious. While some people can’t afford a flat, others are buying up properties as investments and leaving them empty. The frustration of working hard and still feeling stuck is real, especially when the system seems designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. It’s not just unfair—it’s demoralising.
11. Activism fatigue is setting in.
Whether it’s protesting about the climate, fighting for social justice, or addressing economic inequality, this generation is more vocal than ever. But the sheer number of issues demanding attention can feel paralysing. You want to make a difference, but it’s exhausting to constantly stay engaged. Many people feel like they’re shouting into a void, unsure if their efforts are really making an impact.
12. Friendships are harder to maintain.
Since everyone’s constantly busy or moving to new cities, maintaining deep friendships takes serious effort. Social media helps you stay loosely connected, but it doesn’t replace in-person bonds. The result? Many people feel isolated, even with hundreds of “friends” online. Balancing work, life, and relationships is tough, and often friendships unintentionally slip through the cracks.
13. Politics feel increasingly divisive.
Polarisation isn’t new, but it feels more intense than ever. Every issue seems to split people into camps, and having a civil conversation about politics is becoming rare. Add in the spread of misinformation, and it’s easy to feel disillusioned. Many young people are left wondering how to find common ground in such a divided world.
14. Burnout is the new normal.
The hustle culture of always working, always achieving, and always improving has created a generation that’s constantly running on empty. Rest feels like a luxury you can’t afford, and even when you take a break, there’s a nagging guilt that you should be doing more. This endless cycle of burnout leaves people exhausted, unfulfilled, and wondering if it’s all worth it.
