Are young people today truly the most miserable generation in modern history? This provocative question, explored in a recent analysis by The Telegraph, is resonating far beyond Britain, echoing anxieties and debates already alive in Thailand and across much of the world. International research suggests that Generation Z—those born roughly between 1996 and 2012—may indeed be facing unprecedented mental health challenges, spurring experts to consider whether today’s youth are genuinely less happy than their predecessors, or simply more open and serious about discussing mental health in an era of growing uncertainty (The Telegraph).
For Thai readers, these global trends have immediate and personal relevance. Young Thais, like their peers abroad, are navigating rapidly rising living costs, academic and career pressures, and a culture transformed by digital technology and social media. But are they really less happy than previous generations, or is the landscape of youth simply changing in ways that manifest as new anxieties?
The context—and the stakes—are significant. According to the World Happiness Report and The Lancet’s commission on adolescent health, under-25s in many countries are now less likely to describe themselves as happy or fulfilled, and more likely to report symptoms of mental illness, than at any time since systematic studies began. The Telegraph’s review draws on these sources to argue that the “happiness benefit” traditionally associated with youth has begun to disappear—a finding confirmed by prominent researchers such as Professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve of Oxford University’s Wellbeing Research Centre (World Happiness Report, The Lancet).
In contemporary Thailand, as seen in global research, societal expectations have shifted profoundly. The prosperity, career optimism, and carefree hedonism reportedly enjoyed by young people in the 1960s and 1970s—whether in London or Bangkok—have been replaced by more serious concerns about education, employment, and housing affordability. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai alike, skyrocketing rents and stagnant wages are increasingly common complaints among recent graduates, much as they are in large cities throughout the OECD (Pacific Oaks College). While university education in Thailand still remains relatively accessible by international standards, competition in the job market has soared, and the pressures of national examinations and university admissions are severe.
The article’s featured experts note that Generation Z across the globe are partying less and reporting lower rates of sexual activity than at earlier periods in modern history—a marked change from the reputations of young people in previous decades. But, as Professor Bobby Duffy of King’s College London asserts, what may look like rising unhappiness could also result from greater willingness to discuss and destigmatize mental health conditions. Unlike in their parents’ generation, when “the stiff upper lip had a lot to commend it,” today’s youth are encouraged to be more open. Indeed, the NHS in Britain reports that one in five people under 25 admit to battling symptoms of depression or anxiety—rates mirrored in recent Thai epidemiological research (Statista 2024).
“Young people today certainly find it easier to talk about mental health than they did in the past,” Professor Duffy explains. He further points to the high suicide rates among Gen Xers in their youth as evidence that past generations may have suffered just as deeply, but were less likely to seek help or even acknowledge personal distress. Dr Meg Jay, a psychologist and noted author, adds critical context: “Your late teens and 20s make up the most uncertain decade of life. The brain interprets that uncertainty as danger, which makes people feel anxious and depressed and stressed.” She suggests that contemporary youth may over-label real distress as mental illness, noting that while medication and diagnosis are sometimes necessary, they have downsides if overused.
Social media’s role as both a catalyst and amplifier of mental health challenges is a key focus of international research. Data from a Yale University study referenced in the article shows that children and teens who spend more than three hours per day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. In Thailand, where smartphone penetration among youth is among the highest in ASEAN, the emotional effects of constant connectivity are increasingly visible. Local experts warn that online bullying, unrealistic lifestyle comparisons, and the “addictive” nature of popular platforms such as TikTok and Instagram contribute to a perfect storm for mental distress (RedBox Rx).
The implications for Thailand’s education and healthcare sectors are profound. Recent Ministry of Public Health campaigns have acknowledged a “mental health crisis” among Thai youth, citing a dramatic rise in suicide attempts and psychiatric referrals over the past decade (Bangkok Post). But innovative interventions are emerging. The Dutch youth mental health program featured in The Telegraph article offers an instructive example: intensive, holistic therapy—combining group support, exercise, nutritious food, and family involvement—yielded recovery and reintegration for nearly 90% of participants. Inspired by such models, mental health leaders in Thailand are piloting school-based wellness programs and incorporating mindfulness and physical activities into secondary curricula (Think Global Health).
Nevertheless, deep-rooted factors also shape young Thais’ mental wellbeing. The Confucian-influenced value placed on academic achievement, combined with the influence of Buddhist cultural attitudes toward suffering and endurance, results in a uniquely Thai landscape of expectations and coping strategies. While past generations may have internalized difficulties or sought spiritual remedies, today’s youth report seeking more psychological support and professional counselling—sometimes confronting resistance from elders who believe in “saving face” and maintaining family harmony above all.
What does all this mean for the future? Experts interviewed by The Telegraph and cited sources express concern that if not addressed, the decline in youth happiness could foreshadow greater problems as Gen Z ages into midlife. “We haven’t seen this effect in older generations, even millennials,” Professor De Neve explains. “It’s evidence that young people today are facing a unique problem.” This view is echoed in recent surveys, including the Deloitte 2024 Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey, where only about half of Gen Zs rate their mental health as good or extremely good—significantly lower than earlier generations at the same age (Deloitte).
Nonetheless, there are signs of hope and resilience. As highlighted by mental health leaders, the increased willingness of young people to talk about their feelings, coupled with growing societal awareness, may ultimately lead to better mental health outcomes in the long run. “We ought to take people’s own answers about their life satisfaction at face value,” the Dutch clinic director advises. Taking interventions seriously, listening without judgment, and offering appropriate support are critical steps—not least in Thailand, where a blend of tradition and innovation could provide unique solutions.
For Thai readers—students, parents, educators, and policy makers—the message is clear: The emotional burden on the nation’s youth is real, but it is not insurmountable. Practical steps can include parents and teachers investing in open conversations about mental health, schools integrating wellness activities and counselling services, and policy makers ensuring greater access to professional therapy and crisis support. For individuals, simple practices—limiting excessive social media use, maintaining routines of exercise and sleep, and seeking help without shame when needed—can prove transformative.
As the debate about whether Gen Z is truly the “saddest generation” continues, what matters most is not comparison with the past, but the collective effort to make present and future lives more hopeful, connected, and mentally healthy. By grounding our response in understanding, dialogue, and accessible care, Thailand can help its youth—and those who guide them—find happiness, purpose, and belonging in a challenging era.