Building Stronger Minds: How Gen Z is Navigating Tech and Mental Health

By Office of the President | Oct 1, 2024

Modern technology has profoundly influenced Gen Z (those aged 12 to 27 in 2024), impacting their mental health positively and negatively. As this generation navigates the pressures of social media, isolation, and unhealthy eating habits, the need for a well-rounded approach to mental wellness is more important than ever.

Ramaswamy Viswanathan, M.D., Dr.Med.Sc., Interim Chair of Psychiatry and President of the American Psychiatric Association, actively drives lifestyle psychiatry as a central focus of his leadership. In a recent interview with Modern Wellness Guide for the “Next-Gen Essentials” section, Dr. Viswanathan stressed how the six pillars of lifestyle psychiatry—nutrition, exercise, restorative sleep, social connections, stress management, and avoiding harmful substances—are crucial for maintaining good mental health. While these elements have always been tied to physical well-being, they are now also being recognized for their role in supporting mental health.

Dr. Viswanathan points out that while social media can help foster connections, it can often lead to unrealistic comparisons that drive anxiety and depression in Gen Z. He encourages setting limits on social media use and prioritizing in-person relationships to build stronger, more meaningful bonds. In addition, the prevalence of fast food and processed meals has taken a toll on both the physical and mental health of this generation. Dr. Viswanathan advises small but impactful changes to eating habits to help create a lifetime of healthier choices.

In light of these growing challenges, earlier this year, Gov. Kathy Hochul stepped in with a $10M investment to expand mental health services across 28 SUNY campuses, including Downstate. This funding will enhance mental health support for over 200,000 students and strengthen the Statewide Tele-Psychiatry Network (STPN), which offers mental health assessments, medication management, and short-term Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Focusing on holistic mental health care and expanding resources like STPN, Downstate, and other SUNY campuses give Gen Z the tools they need for more robust, resilient futures.