I found real community here tonight
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching”
~Hebrews 10: 24-25
Before we dive into learning about the Lonely Epidemic, let’s take a moment to learn about Generation Z:
- Gen Z typically refers to people born between 1997-2012
- 30% of Americans are Gen Z
- 65% report having recent mental health struggles
- 42% struggle with depression and hopelessness
- 61% have been diagnosed with anxiety
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Gen Z
Generation Z is the loneliest generation. Though they are considered to be in their “prime” years, they report the lowest well-being of any age group. Statistics show that most of Gen Z feels hopeless and alone. They are living in the Lonely Epidemic.
The Lonely Epidemic is not only affecting young people’s mental health but their physical well-being as well. In 2023, Dr. Vivek Murthy released a report saying that loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Seclusion and isolation have a bigger toll on our bodies than most are willing to admit. Social isolation increases one’s risk of a stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and early death.
There is also a strong correlation between loneliness and suicide. This correlation exists between both objective loneliness (living alone) and subjective loneliness (feeling alone). Even when someone maintains social connections, they can still feel deeply isolated. Although loneliness is something that most of Generation Z struggles with, many feel ashamed about it- a shame that pushes people to conceal their feelings and suffer in silence.
While studying the Lonely Epidemic, researchers found a clear link between Gen Z’s loneliness and their lack of trust in others. They concluded that the increase of negative headlines and tragic world events has shaken Gen Z’s faith in humanity. In turn, many young people have turned toward social media to find connections that require minimal vulnerability. However, these low-risk, online interactions create an illusion of community. Without genuine connections, young people are still left feeling isolated, and the cycle of shame, loneliness, and seclusion continues. At NL4Y, we are on a mission to break that cycle- and we are already seeing that happen.
After attending a recent NL4Y community event, a young adult shared, “I’m really grateful for this event. I found real community here tonight, and you don’t know how much that means to me.” Real community. That evening, a piece of the cycle began to break.
Community requires saying “yes” even when it’s easier to stay at home. Community requires taking the risky step. Community requires trusting others and approaching conversations with an open heart.
To all my fellow Gen Zers, know that you’re not alone. Building community takes time and energy, but I promise it’s more than worth it. God knew from the beginning that it wasn’t good for man to be alone. We need each other, so I encourage you to show up. Attend that event. Take that bold step and meet someone new. If you need an event to come to, we’re here for you! We would love for you to join us for one of our community gatherings. There is meaning behind this life we’re living, and we can stand firm knowing that Jesus is our hope.
Stay tuned as we continue to share the story of the cycle breaking here at NL4Y! We are just getting started and can’t wait to share more about what God is doing. God bless!