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Is Gen Z Really Doom Scrolling and Doom Spending?

Gen Z is feeling “doomed,” and is turning to scrolling and spending as ways to cope with their stress…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Aug 18 2025
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The majority of Gen Z live with a sense of doom that’s influencing everything from their spending habits to how they plan their futures
Many admit to mindlessly scrolling through social media (a.k.a. doom scrolling) to distract themselves or simply pass the time
Others have been doom spending, or splurging on small luxuries or experiences as a way to cope with stress, even if it’s not the most financially responsible choice

Most of Gen Z feel at least some sense of doom lurking in the back of their mind. YPulse’s Generation Doom trend report shows 60% of 13-17-year-olds and 75% of 18-24-year-olds have an overall sense of doom (i.e. a general feeling of pessimism or loss of hope) about the world and the future. Many of their biggest fears and anxieties are about the future—how they’ll afford rent and food with the increasing cost of living, another war on the horizon, or how climate change will impact the world. And while this mindset might not be taking over entirely controlling their...