While a lot of headlines about Gen Z are overblown and dramatic, their anxiety is one thing YPulse can confirm is very real. YPulse’s Mental Health data shows 77% of 13-24-year-olds are anxious about the future—a number that’s remained high and actually increased since 2022 (from 71%). And as YPulse has reported for years, there isn’t one single reason Gen Z feels this way. But rather than speculate about what’s driving Gen Z’s anxiety, we asked them directly.   In YPulse’s Mental Health survey, we ask 13-39-year-olds directly what they think is the biggest source of anxiety for their generation—and why*. The top stressors 13-24-year-olds name paint a clear picture of a generation under constant pressure to fit in:   What is the biggest source of anxiety for 13-24-year-olds? Q. R090. What do you think is the biggest source of anxiety for your generation? Source: YPulse’s Mental Health survey | Apr. 15–23, 2026 | Base: 13-24-year-olds | Nationally representative sample of 1,500 13-39-year-olds in the U.S. & Canada View the Mental...