Gen Z –struggle with self-imposed barriers
View(s):Gen Z is defined term for the population born approximately between 1997 and 2012, following Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha. This group is also identified as the first true “digital natives” who grew up with the internet, smartphones, and social media, shaping them to be pragmatic, authentic, tech-savvy, and socially conscious individuals, who aredriven by diversity, purpose, and flexibility.
it is widely observed and supported by research that Gen Z often struggles significantly with self-imposed barriers, often leading to higher rates of burnout, anxiety, and depression compared to previous generations, not because of their weaknesses, but because of the environment they grew up in.
Let’s explore some of those in simple terms.
Mihindu Rajaratne
A. Barrier (1) – Perfectionism disguised as “high standards”
Many of Gen Z people will not commence something unless they feel that they can do it perfectly.
They have a tendency to over-research withoutresorting to actions, butto wait for the feeling of ‘complete readiness’, before committing. They seek instant gratification and like to abandon things which do not succeed immediately at once.Instant gratification is also one of the factors that creates the expectation ofGen Zers to get promoted within their first 18 months of employment.
The impact of the barrier: Hesitation before action delays progress, not by inability, but by fear of failure or public judgment, comparison with peers’ visible success etc.,
The ‘spirit’ should be: ‘the light bulb was succeeded after 1000 mistakes’ and ‘mistakes’ and failures are the best teachers of life’.
If we look at all ‘success stories’, those had messy starts.
B. Barrier (2) – Fear of ‘being perceived’
Gen Z worry about how well they will be perceived in eyes of the larger public. The fear of being cringe (have an inward feeling of acute embarrassment), public failure (online or offline) and judgment online (which triggers ‘instant gratification’). “Judgment online” is a highly influential, often “high-stakes” driver in modern society, acting as a form of digital, instantaneous, and frequently merciless, public evaluation.
Gen Z tend to treat themselves as ‘content to the media’, but not as ‘personality to the society’. Research indicates that 65% of Gen Z view themselves as content creators, using social media for self-expression, curation, and building personal brands. Contrarily, Gen Z, while they are highly active online, 60% of Gen Z believe social media has a negative impact on society, and many feel “social media is causing them to lose their identity”
The impact of the barrier: Seeing invisibility as safer than exposure leads to avoidance as a defense mechanism, stalling progress as fear replaces courage and the willingness to try.
C. Barrier (3) –‘Over identifying’ or categorising with mental ‘health labels’
Although attentiveness to our mental health is important, it can sometimes influence our mindset in ways that slow progress. Thoughts like “I can’t do this because I’m anxious,” “That’s just my ADHD,” or “I’m depressed” may turn into barriers to the natural continuity of life—learning to move on.
The impact of the barrier: ‘Mental health labels’ can sometimes become internalised as a person’s identity, overshadowing their true personality and eroding self-confidence.
The ‘spirit’ should be: We should learn lessons from struggles and move forward leaving the bad experience, towards progress.
D. Barrier (4) – Comparison paralysis
“Comparison paralysis” (also termed as Analysis paralysis) is a state of being stuck or making oneself ‘indecisive’ due to overthinking, overanalysing, or having too many options to choose from.
Humans compare in two ways: horisontally, by assessing similarity and equality, and vertically, by judging status and progress over time. Instead of focusing on personal goals, people frequently measure themselves and others against markers like attractiveness, wealth, intelligence, and success.
Earlier generations compared themselves to people in their immediate social circle and the public figures who felt distant and exceptional. This prompted them to learn &adapt best habits/practices.
Gen Z, by contrast, is exposed to peers of the same age or younger—ordinary individuals who appear to be achieving extraordinary success—through continuous, algorithm-driven updates. This environment fosters horizontal comparison rather than vertical; the comparison is not with “the elite,” but with those who feel similar and familiar.
The impact of the barrier:Motivation often collapses before effort even begins. Limited exposure and algorithm-driven narratives of seemingly successful stories may create the illusion of endless opportunity, while concealing the importance of decisiveness.
E. Barrier (5) – ‘Hustle culture’ backlash
‘Hustle culture’ is a mindset glorifying relentless work, productivity, and ambition, often demanding excessive hours and self-sacrifices for success, leading to burnout, stress, and poor work-life balance. ‘Hustle culture’was emerged and deeply rooted in the Industrial Revolution and the ideology of the “American Dream’.
According to recent research and expert analysis, Gen Z faces significant ‘cognitive dissonance’ in their careers—caught between ‘intense pressure to succeed at high levels’ and ‘concern over the personal costs’ (52% reporting high stress levels) of doing so, such as ‘burnout’ and stability of life.
The impact of the barrier: Without challenge, there is no growth—comfort zones do not generate new insight. The ‘spirit’ should be: Success begins with purpose. Along the journey, rest and effort are not in conflict; they stand as reliable, trustworthy companions.
Gen Z is our future. The Millennials (Gen Y), born 1981–1996, and Gen X, born 1965–1980 have a greater responsibility, (in particular the Gen X) in helping them to help themselves.
Mihindu Rajaratne
The writer could be reached at
rajaratnem@gmail.com
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