Ignorance is Bliss”—is it true? Is it true that people who have known less and seen less are happier than those who know more? Perhaps it is true, perhaps not. How is this idea related to Generation Z? Every generation throughout history has witnessed great catastrophes and faced wars that shaped their way of thinking. They endured world wars, survived the Great Depression, and witnessed unprecedented technological advancements.

Generation Z, however, has not faced such large-scale global crises. Yet, research and everyday observations show that today's young adults are more mentally stressed and depressed than previous generations. Why? Except for some war-wrecked countries, we are currently living in one of the most peaceful eras in history. Major wars are fewer, and significant strides have been made in reducing racial and gender discrimination. Society is generally more generous and accepting than ever before. However, despite these positive trends, Gen-Z seems to be grappling with significant mental health issues.

What is the explanation behind this? What are the reasons? Perhaps the reason lies in the overwhelming accessibility of information. People know more than they can use. With technological advancements, the pervasive use of social media, people are constantly getting news, false or true. They witness the success and lifestyles of others; they compare their lives with others constantly, leading to an unquenchable desire to fulfill. Never contented, never stopping. Unrealistic thoughts and unrealistic comparisons make people stressed out.

The relentless exposure to others’ achievements and the curated perfection of social media are creating feelings of inadequacy and failure, even when individuals are doing well in reality. The mantra of never stopping, never resting, and never being content has become synonymous with productivity. While this drive can lead to greater output, it also results in chronic stress and discourages rest and reflection.

Social media, quite an ironic name, is making people more asocial than ever. The lack of physical communication makes people friendless, lonelier, and perhaps unhappier than ever that other catastrophes have ever done. The comparison with others, having the wrong idea of success, is making people feel inadequate and imperfect, more so than racial discrimination has ever done. The rising market of skin whitening treatments is a perfect example.

Most people are not going to be stopped from their rights for not having fair skin now; they are not going to be enslaved now for their skin. The rising voice of the anti-racist movement will always back them up. However, people are comparing themselves with some individuals from other parts of the world and creating a wrong idea of being perfect. The reality is that young adults judge themselves based on others' standards by comparing themselves with others, which leads to feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and failure.

So, is ignorance bliss? If we never knew how other people are living their lives, if we never saw the success of others, would the generation be this unhappy? Perhaps yes, perhaps not. Knowledge and accessibility of information have always been the biggest dreams of people. So the question should not be “Is ignorance bliss?” for Generation Z. Rather, the more important question is, will the next generation be unhappier than us, or will they become braver to correct the present generation’s mistakes?