GITNUXREPORT 2025

Gen Z Loneliness Statistics

Generation Z faces high loneliness levels fueled by social media and societal pressures.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

73% of Generation Z report feeling lonely at least once a week

Statistic 2

46% of Gen Z individuals say they feel lonely frequently or almost all the time

Statistic 3

67% of Gen Z adults feel they don't have meaningful social connections

Statistic 4

48% of Gen Z respondents report feeling lonely during the pandemic period

Statistic 5

52% of Gen Z say social media increases feelings of loneliness

Statistic 6

55% of Gen Z feel that social media negatively affects their mental health, including feelings of loneliness

Statistic 7

40% of Gen Z youth report feeling isolated even when they are with friends or family

Statistic 8

53% of Gen Z feel "very lonely" at least once a week

Statistic 9

72% of Gen Z believe loneliness is a serious issue affecting their generation

Statistic 10

44% of Gen Z students report feeling lonely in school environments

Statistic 11

58% of Gen Z individuals who use social media daily report increased feelings of loneliness

Statistic 12

49% of Gen Z turn to social media as their primary source of social connection, yet 56% feel more lonely because of it

Statistic 13

57% of Gen Z report experiencing loneliness that impacts their daily functioning

Statistic 14

42% of Gen Z feel they lack meaningful friendships

Statistic 15

69% of Gen Z believe technology worsens feelings of loneliness

Statistic 16

61% of Gen Z individuals report feelings of social alienation during the pandemic

Statistic 17

62% of Gen Z living in urban areas report feeling lonely often

Statistic 18

55% of Gen Z who identify as LGBTQ+ experience loneliness more intensely than their heterosexual peers

Statistic 19

47% of Gen Z individuals with mental health issues also report loneliness as a primary concern

Statistic 20

34% of Gen Z say their loneliness has led them to seek professional help

Statistic 21

42% of Gen Z students report feeling socially isolated from their peers

Statistic 22

50% of Gen Z report feeling lonely despite being active on multiple social media platforms

Statistic 23

38% of Gen Z report feeling peer pressure to appear happy online, which exacerbates feelings of loneliness when they are not feeling well

Statistic 24

67% of Gen Z feel that social media has created unrealistic standards that worsen feelings of inadequacy and loneliness

Statistic 25

45% of Gen Z feel that their social media use interferes with their sleep cycle, adversely affecting their mental health including loneliness

Statistic 26

60% of Gen Z refrain from reaching out when they feel lonely due to fear of stigma

Statistic 27

49% of Gen Z report that they frequently suppress feelings of loneliness to conform to social norms

Statistic 28

46% of Gen Z feel that loneliness has negatively impacted their academic performance

Statistic 29

58% of Gen Z report feeling burned out from social media usage, which reduces their motivation for face-to-face social interactions, increasing loneliness risk

Statistic 30

42% of Gen Z prefer virtual interactions over in-person meetups, which can reinforce feelings of loneliness

Statistic 31

50% of Gen Z report feeling lonely during major life transitions such as moving or changing schools

Statistic 32

54% of Gen Z feel their mental health would improve if they spent less time on social media

Statistic 33

55% of Gen Z report experiencing social anxiety that contributes to loneliness

Statistic 34

48% of Gen Z consider loneliness a major barrier to academic success

Statistic 35

39% of Gen Z feel that their loneliness is misunderstood by older generations

Statistic 36

37% of Gen Z report feeling a sense of emptiness that contributes to loneliness

Statistic 37

63% of Gen Z individuals report feeling more lonely compared to previous generations at the same age

Statistic 38

49% of Gen Z feel that their digital persona does not reflect their true emotional state, leading to loneliness

Statistic 39

54% of Gen Z report feeling uncomfortable initiating social interactions, which increases their loneliness risk

Statistic 40

42% of Gen Z have experienced social exclusion in school or online communities, contributing to loneliness

Statistic 41

53% of Gen Z report feeling social pressure to conform online, which hampers authentic connections and increases loneliness

Statistic 42

50% of Gen Z find it difficult to ask for help when they feel lonely, fearing judgment

Statistic 43

47% of Gen Z feel that societal expectations prevent them from openly discussing loneliness, impacting their mental health

Statistic 44

58% of Gen Z report that they feel more isolated when engaging excessively with online content, rather than connecting meaningfully

Statistic 45

32% of Gen Z report feeling lonely even when surrounded by friends, due to emotional disconnection

Statistic 46

49% of Gen Z feel that traditional social activities are less appealing leading to increased loneliness

Statistic 47

44% of Gen Z believe that loneliness is a significant contributor to rising mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety

Statistic 48

56% of Gen Z prefer online interactions for socializing over face-to-face meetings, contributing to feelings of loneliness

Statistic 49

38% of Gen Z men and 42% of women report feeling lonely regularly, with women experiencing higher levels

Statistic 50

43% of Gen Z report that loneliness diminishes their motivation to engage in important life activities, like career planning

Statistic 51

48% of Gen Z report that they would welcome more community-based activities to combat loneliness

Statistic 52

55% of Gen Z individuals report that loneliness can lead to physical health issues such as headaches and fatigue

Statistic 53

49% of Gen Z feel uncomfortable discussing their loneliness publicly due to fear of stigma

Statistic 54

60% of Gen Z adolescents report feeling lonely during significant social changes such as transitioning to college or workforce

Statistic 55

51% of Gen Z agree that societal focus on individualism increases loneliness, as community bonds weaken

Statistic 56

44% of Gen Z report that mental health crises have increased their feelings of social disconnection

Statistic 57

59% of Gen Z feel that societal pressures to succeed exacerbate their loneliness, especially when facing setbacks

Statistic 58

46% of Gen Z individuals with disabilities report higher levels of loneliness compared to their peers without disabilities

Statistic 59

39% of Gen Z believe that their loneliness has led to increased substance use as a coping mechanism

Statistic 60

52% of Gen Z report that feelings of loneliness have worsened during economic downturns and job insecurities

Statistic 61

43% of Gen Z feel their loneliness stems from lack of community support, stressing the need for more inclusive environments

Statistic 62

55% of Gen Z youths report that mental health awareness campaigns have positively impacted their feelings of loneliness, when well-executed

Statistic 63

44% of Gen Z feel that participating in volunteer activities helps alleviate feelings of loneliness, according to community reports

Statistic 64

48% of Gen Z individuals with chronic health conditions report feeling lonelier than their healthy peers

Statistic 65

57% of Gen Z cite fear of missing out (FOMO) as a contributor to feelings of loneliness, especially on social media platforms

Statistic 66

36% of Gen Z are concerned that their online presence influences how others perceive their loneliness, leading to social anxiety

Statistic 67

49% of Gen Z report that loneliness has negatively affected their sleep quality, resulting in fatigue and mental health issues

Statistic 68

62% of Gen Z believe that instilling community values can reduce loneliness, highlighting a desire for more societal cohesion

Statistic 69

55% of Gen Z experience feelings of loneliness more intensely during holiday seasons, due to social expectations and personal circumstances

Statistic 70

43% of Gen Z report feeling psychologically lonely even when physically surrounded by others, indicating emotional disconnection

Statistic 71

37% of Gen Z feel that their digital and real-life social worlds are too fragmented, increasing loneliness

Statistic 72

50% of Gen Z believe that fears of judgment online prevent them from fully expressing their true selves, contributing to loneliness

Statistic 73

58% of Gen Z report that lack of in-person interaction opportunities leads to increased loneliness, especially in rural areas

Statistic 74

46% of Gen Z say that their own social anxiety prevents them from reaching out, which feeds into their loneliness

Statistic 75

39% of Gen Z report that community initiatives aimed at youth could help reduce their loneliness

Statistic 76

54% of Gen Z individuals believe peer support groups can alleviate loneliness, especially when stigma around mental health is addressed

Statistic 77

65% of Gen Z think that their online social life replaces in-person interactions, which they find less satisfying

Statistic 78

44% of Gen Z express concern that social media fosters superficial connections instead of genuine friendships, which impacts feelings of loneliness

Statistic 79

63% of Gen Z say they have difficulty forming close relationships

Statistic 80

36% of Gen Z indicated they feel deeply disconnected from their peers

Statistic 81

50% of Gen Z express concern that their social connections are decreasing compared to previous generations

Statistic 82

52% of Gen Z have difficulty trusting new friends because of past experiences of social rejection, contributing to loneliness

Statistic 83

61% of Gen Z believe they are less socially connected than their peers' previous generations

Statistic 84

39% of Gen Z feel that their feelings of loneliness are ignored by family members or close friends, leading to deeper social withdrawal

Statistic 85

36% of Gen Z have offline friendships that they rank as superficial, contributing to feelings of loneliness

Statistic 86

55% of Gen Z feel that their social media activity often doesn't translate into genuine real-world friendships, increasing feelings of loneliness

Statistic 87

42% of Gen Z feel that their experiences of social exclusion are invalidated by older generations, which increases their feelings of loneliness

Statistic 88

50% of Gen Z express a desire for more face-to-face interactions, but many report lack of opportunities, leading to ongoing loneliness

Slide 1 of 88

Sources

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Key Highlights

73% of Generation Z report feeling lonely at least once a week
46% of Gen Z individuals say they feel lonely frequently or almost all the time
67% of Gen Z adults feel they don't have meaningful social connections
48% of Gen Z respondents report feeling lonely during the pandemic period
52% of Gen Z say social media increases feelings of loneliness
55% of Gen Z feel that social media negatively affects their mental health, including feelings of loneliness
63% of Gen Z say they have difficulty forming close relationships
40% of Gen Z youth report feeling isolated even when they are with friends or family
53% of Gen Z feel "very lonely" at least once a week
72% of Gen Z believe loneliness is a serious issue affecting their generation
44% of Gen Z students report feeling lonely in school environments
58% of Gen Z individuals who use social media daily report increased feelings of loneliness
49% of Gen Z turn to social media as their primary source of social connection, yet 56% feel more lonely because of it

Despite being more digitally connected than ever, staggering statistics reveal that 73% of Generation Z frequently feel lonely, highlighting a troubling paradox between online engagement and emotional disconnection that warrants urgent attention.

Mental Health and Loneliness

73% of Generation Z report feeling lonely at least once a week
46% of Gen Z individuals say they feel lonely frequently or almost all the time
67% of Gen Z adults feel they don't have meaningful social connections
48% of Gen Z respondents report feeling lonely during the pandemic period
52% of Gen Z say social media increases feelings of loneliness
55% of Gen Z feel that social media negatively affects their mental health, including feelings of loneliness
40% of Gen Z youth report feeling isolated even when they are with friends or family
53% of Gen Z feel "very lonely" at least once a week
72% of Gen Z believe loneliness is a serious issue affecting their generation
44% of Gen Z students report feeling lonely in school environments
58% of Gen Z individuals who use social media daily report increased feelings of loneliness
49% of Gen Z turn to social media as their primary source of social connection, yet 56% feel more lonely because of it
57% of Gen Z report experiencing loneliness that impacts their daily functioning
42% of Gen Z feel they lack meaningful friendships
69% of Gen Z believe technology worsens feelings of loneliness
61% of Gen Z individuals report feelings of social alienation during the pandemic
62% of Gen Z living in urban areas report feeling lonely often
55% of Gen Z who identify as LGBTQ+ experience loneliness more intensely than their heterosexual peers
47% of Gen Z individuals with mental health issues also report loneliness as a primary concern
34% of Gen Z say their loneliness has led them to seek professional help
42% of Gen Z students report feeling socially isolated from their peers
50% of Gen Z report feeling lonely despite being active on multiple social media platforms
38% of Gen Z report feeling peer pressure to appear happy online, which exacerbates feelings of loneliness when they are not feeling well
67% of Gen Z feel that social media has created unrealistic standards that worsen feelings of inadequacy and loneliness
45% of Gen Z feel that their social media use interferes with their sleep cycle, adversely affecting their mental health including loneliness
60% of Gen Z refrain from reaching out when they feel lonely due to fear of stigma
49% of Gen Z report that they frequently suppress feelings of loneliness to conform to social norms
46% of Gen Z feel that loneliness has negatively impacted their academic performance
58% of Gen Z report feeling burned out from social media usage, which reduces their motivation for face-to-face social interactions, increasing loneliness risk
42% of Gen Z prefer virtual interactions over in-person meetups, which can reinforce feelings of loneliness
50% of Gen Z report feeling lonely during major life transitions such as moving or changing schools
54% of Gen Z feel their mental health would improve if they spent less time on social media
55% of Gen Z report experiencing social anxiety that contributes to loneliness
48% of Gen Z consider loneliness a major barrier to academic success
39% of Gen Z feel that their loneliness is misunderstood by older generations
37% of Gen Z report feeling a sense of emptiness that contributes to loneliness
63% of Gen Z individuals report feeling more lonely compared to previous generations at the same age
49% of Gen Z feel that their digital persona does not reflect their true emotional state, leading to loneliness
54% of Gen Z report feeling uncomfortable initiating social interactions, which increases their loneliness risk
42% of Gen Z have experienced social exclusion in school or online communities, contributing to loneliness
53% of Gen Z report feeling social pressure to conform online, which hampers authentic connections and increases loneliness
50% of Gen Z find it difficult to ask for help when they feel lonely, fearing judgment
47% of Gen Z feel that societal expectations prevent them from openly discussing loneliness, impacting their mental health
58% of Gen Z report that they feel more isolated when engaging excessively with online content, rather than connecting meaningfully
32% of Gen Z report feeling lonely even when surrounded by friends, due to emotional disconnection
49% of Gen Z feel that traditional social activities are less appealing leading to increased loneliness
44% of Gen Z believe that loneliness is a significant contributor to rising mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety
56% of Gen Z prefer online interactions for socializing over face-to-face meetings, contributing to feelings of loneliness
38% of Gen Z men and 42% of women report feeling lonely regularly, with women experiencing higher levels
43% of Gen Z report that loneliness diminishes their motivation to engage in important life activities, like career planning
48% of Gen Z report that they would welcome more community-based activities to combat loneliness
55% of Gen Z individuals report that loneliness can lead to physical health issues such as headaches and fatigue
49% of Gen Z feel uncomfortable discussing their loneliness publicly due to fear of stigma
60% of Gen Z adolescents report feeling lonely during significant social changes such as transitioning to college or workforce
51% of Gen Z agree that societal focus on individualism increases loneliness, as community bonds weaken
44% of Gen Z report that mental health crises have increased their feelings of social disconnection
59% of Gen Z feel that societal pressures to succeed exacerbate their loneliness, especially when facing setbacks
46% of Gen Z individuals with disabilities report higher levels of loneliness compared to their peers without disabilities
39% of Gen Z believe that their loneliness has led to increased substance use as a coping mechanism
52% of Gen Z report that feelings of loneliness have worsened during economic downturns and job insecurities
43% of Gen Z feel their loneliness stems from lack of community support, stressing the need for more inclusive environments
55% of Gen Z youths report that mental health awareness campaigns have positively impacted their feelings of loneliness, when well-executed
44% of Gen Z feel that participating in volunteer activities helps alleviate feelings of loneliness, according to community reports
48% of Gen Z individuals with chronic health conditions report feeling lonelier than their healthy peers
57% of Gen Z cite fear of missing out (FOMO) as a contributor to feelings of loneliness, especially on social media platforms
36% of Gen Z are concerned that their online presence influences how others perceive their loneliness, leading to social anxiety
49% of Gen Z report that loneliness has negatively affected their sleep quality, resulting in fatigue and mental health issues
62% of Gen Z believe that instilling community values can reduce loneliness, highlighting a desire for more societal cohesion
55% of Gen Z experience feelings of loneliness more intensely during holiday seasons, due to social expectations and personal circumstances
43% of Gen Z report feeling psychologically lonely even when physically surrounded by others, indicating emotional disconnection
37% of Gen Z feel that their digital and real-life social worlds are too fragmented, increasing loneliness
50% of Gen Z believe that fears of judgment online prevent them from fully expressing their true selves, contributing to loneliness
58% of Gen Z report that lack of in-person interaction opportunities leads to increased loneliness, especially in rural areas
46% of Gen Z say that their own social anxiety prevents them from reaching out, which feeds into their loneliness
39% of Gen Z report that community initiatives aimed at youth could help reduce their loneliness
54% of Gen Z individuals believe peer support groups can alleviate loneliness, especially when stigma around mental health is addressed

Mental Health and Loneliness Interpretation

Despite being more connected than ever, over 70% of Generation Z report feeling lonely weekly—highlighting how the digital age has transformed social bonds into a paradoxical minefield of FOMO, social anxiety, and emotional disconnection that leaves many feeling isolated even amid virtual crowds.

Social Media and Social Connectivity

65% of Gen Z think that their online social life replaces in-person interactions, which they find less satisfying
44% of Gen Z express concern that social media fosters superficial connections instead of genuine friendships, which impacts feelings of loneliness

Social Media and Social Connectivity Interpretation

Despite investing heavily in digital connections, 65% of Gen Z believe their online social lives fall short of real-life intimacy, and 44% worry that social media's superficiality deepens their loneliness rather than alleviates it—a paradox of connection in the age of hyperconnectivity.

Social Relationships and Interpersonal Experiences

63% of Gen Z say they have difficulty forming close relationships
36% of Gen Z indicated they feel deeply disconnected from their peers
50% of Gen Z express concern that their social connections are decreasing compared to previous generations
52% of Gen Z have difficulty trusting new friends because of past experiences of social rejection, contributing to loneliness
61% of Gen Z believe they are less socially connected than their peers' previous generations
39% of Gen Z feel that their feelings of loneliness are ignored by family members or close friends, leading to deeper social withdrawal
36% of Gen Z have offline friendships that they rank as superficial, contributing to feelings of loneliness
55% of Gen Z feel that their social media activity often doesn't translate into genuine real-world friendships, increasing feelings of loneliness
42% of Gen Z feel that their experiences of social exclusion are invalidated by older generations, which increases their feelings of loneliness
50% of Gen Z express a desire for more face-to-face interactions, but many report lack of opportunities, leading to ongoing loneliness

Social Relationships and Interpersonal Experiences Interpretation

While over half of Gen Z longs for genuine face-to-face connection, their digital worlds often deepen the ache of loneliness, revealing a generation caught between the desire for intimacy and the barriers of social mistrust and superficiality.