#Genz

A newly released U.S. survey of Generation Z finds that loneliness is a widespread signal of strain on young people’s mental health, with a striking split in experiences: while more than half of respondents report overall good or better mental health, a large share say loneliness still drains their daily lives and has tangible effects on school, work, and relationships. The study, conducted by Hopelab and Data for Progress and shared with Axios, reveals that loneliness and family problems are among the top challenges weighing on young people today, even as many also describe resilience and hope for the future. For Thai readers, the findings resonate with ongoing conversations about youth mental health at home, in schools, and across communities where family bonds, social expectations, and the pressures of rapid digital life shape daily life. The message from researchers is clear: mental health is not a single story, and responses must be nuanced, equitable, and embedded within everyday Thai contexts.

A surprising shift is underway in the religious landscape of the United States, where younger generations—Gen Z and millennials—are now reported to be the most active churchgoers in a new study. The findings challenge a longtime narrative that younger people drift away from organized religion and instead point to a renewed engagement among the youngest adults. Experts say the result may reflect a renewed appetite for community, mentorship, and support networks, as well as new ways of experiencing faith that blend in-person gatherings with digital and small-group formats. For Thai readers, the report offers a provocative lens on how faith communities adapt to changing values, technology, and family life, and what these global patterns could mean for temples, mosques, and churches at home in a country where Buddhism remains deeply woven into daily life.

The American Bible Society released new data showing Gen Z adults score lowest for church engagement in the United States. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).

The study links higher church engagement with higher measures of human flourishing. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).

The finding matters for Thai faith groups. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).

Job-seekers are sending far more applications than a year ago and still finding doors closed, with even master’s degree holders applying to 32–60 roles per month and many fresh graduates unable to land a first job. New data from an employment platform and recent industry studies point to a painful squeeze driven by AI-driven role disruption, “ghost” job postings, and an oversupplied pipeline of credentialed workers — trends that have implications for Thailand’s universities, employers and families who still place high cultural value on degrees. The emerging picture is one of growing mismatch between education and available work, eroding faith in higher education as a reliable route to economic security (Fortune: Degrees used to open doors—now even grads with master’s degrees are sending 60 job applications a month to no luck).

Job-seekers across America are flooding employers with unprecedented numbers of applications yet finding themselves systematically excluded from opportunities, with even master’s degree holders submitting 32-60 applications monthly while fresh graduates struggle to secure their first positions. Comprehensive data from major employment platforms and industry research reveals a profound disruption driven by AI-powered job displacement, deceptive “ghost” job postings, and an oversaturated pipeline of credentialed workers competing for diminishing opportunities.

This employment crisis carries urgent implications for Thailand’s universities, employers, and families who have traditionally viewed higher education as a reliable pathway to middle-class prosperity. The emerging pattern suggests a fundamental mismatch between educational preparation and available work, systematically eroding public confidence in higher education as a vehicle for economic mobility and social advancement.

A new snapshot of Gen Z family planning finds young adults are delaying parenthood into their late 20s and, worryingly, a significant share are relying on the withdrawal or “pull-out” method as a primary form of birth control. The findings, drawn from a survey by pregnancy test brand First Response and women’s media platform Her Campus and reported by the New York Post, underscore a generational rethinking of when to have children — and a risk calculus around contraception that health experts say could backfire. For Thailand, where the birth rate has plunged to historic lows, the mix of delayed childbearing and inconsistent contraceptive protection holds lessons for sex education, public health, and demographic policy.

Alarming new research reveals that Generation Z adults are increasingly delaying parenthood while simultaneously relying on ineffective contraceptive methods, creating a perfect storm of reproductive health risks that could significantly impact Thailand’s already plummeting birth rates. A comprehensive survey conducted by pregnancy test manufacturer First Response in collaboration with women’s media platform Her Campus discovered that nearly 37% of young adults favor the withdrawal or “pull-out” method as their primary contraceptive approach, despite medical evidence showing this technique fails for approximately one in five couples annually. These findings arrive at a critical moment for Thailand, where birth rates have collapsed to historic lows below population replacement levels, requiring urgent attention to both reproductive health education and family planning support systems.

A new study highlights a troubling trend among Gen Z: many are delaying parenthood while relying on withdrawal as a primary contraceptive. This method has a documented failure rate of about 20-22 percent with typical use, raising the risk of unintended pregnancies in the interim. In Thailand, where birth rates have fallen to historic lows, the findings underscore an urgent need for stronger reproductive health education and accessible family planning services.

As rates of anxiety and related mental health issues continue to climb globally and locally, new research backed by the University of Cambridge and echoed by Thai mental health authorities points to novel coping strategies that may benefit the Thai public. Drawing on the latest international findings, actionable recommendations—like embracing imperfection, self-forgiveness, and fostering social connection—are gaining traction for their real-world impact on building mental strength and reducing anxiety’s grip.

Groundbreaking research from the University of Cambridge, combined with innovative approaches validated by Thai mental health authorities, has identified transformative strategies for managing anxiety that promise to revolutionize treatment approaches throughout Thailand. These science-backed interventions—emphasizing imperfection acceptance, self-compassion cultivation, and community connection—offer practical solutions for the growing mental health crisis affecting millions of Thai citizens across all demographics and socioeconomic levels.

Anxiety disorders, characterized by persistent worry, panic episodes, sleep disruption, and social withdrawal, affect the majority of individuals at some point during their lives, but become clinically significant when symptoms interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or professional productivity. For Thai communities, this represents an escalating concern with far-reaching implications: the Department of Mental Health reports that over 8% of the population experiences high stress levels, nearly 10% face depression risks, and more than 5% encounter suicide ideation, with youth demographics showing particularly alarming rates of psychological distress.

In decades past, getting a driver’s license was a symbolic leap toward adulthood and independence for many teenagers. But for Generation Z, this milestone holds far less appeal. New data and expert interviews reveal a dramatic decline in teens seeking the freedom of the open road, raising questions about changes in youth culture, mental health, and mobility trends with global resonance—including for Thai families navigating a rapidly evolving social landscape.

A global shift among Generation Z is reshaping the traditional path to independence, with Thai families feeling the impact of changing mobility patterns. Rather than viewing a driver’s license as a symbol of adulthood, many Thai teens now prioritize digital connectivity, safety concerns, and financial realities that influence their driving decisions.

Historically, obtaining a driving license marked a crucial leap toward autonomy for teenagers worldwide. Today, however, young people are reassessing what independence means, questioning long-held assumptions about mobility and social development.

In a striking reversal of expectations shaped by decades of sexual liberation, new research reveals that Generation Z is experiencing what experts call a “sex recession” — with fewer young people engaging in intercourse than ever before. Recent findings shed light on the underlying causes and cultural anxieties fueling this unexpected trend, raising questions about the future of relationships, intimacy, and sexual well-being among Thailand’s youth and their global peers.

A new wave of research and social commentary is sparking heated debate about how Generation Z – those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s – are “protecting their peace” in ways that older generations often view as avoidance or shirking of responsibility. The recently published feature in VegOut Magazine highlights nine key behaviors, such as ghosting, preemptive blocking, and “therapy speak” shutdowns, which are being reevaluated in both Western and Asian societies, including Thailand, for their impacts on mental health, workplace culture, family relationships, and social cohesion (VegOutMag.com).

A wave of research and commentary is fueling debate about Gen Z’s approach to mental well-being. Born roughly from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, this generation is praised for self-awareness and criticized by some elders as avoiding responsibility. A VegOut Magazine feature outlines nine behaviors—such as preemptive blocking and therapy-speak shutdowns—and examines their impacts on mental health, workplaces, families, and social cohesion. The discussion resonates in Thailand, where respect and harmony meet modern conversations on boundaries and well-being.

A quiet shift is unfolding among Thai youths and around the world: Generation Z appears to be having fewer sexual experiences by the same life stage as previous generations. For Thai readers, the trend intersects with local concerns about relationships, online culture, and overall well-being. Researchers describe a complex mix of social, psychological, and technological factors shaping intimate life in the digital age.

Across markets, data suggest Gen Z is engaging less in sexual activity at comparable ages. A synthesis by a leading health journalist draws on conversations with more than 100 people under 30, showing that it is not a lack of desire but a network of pressures shaping behavior. Many young people feel overwhelmed by online media and social expectations, leaving them uncertain about real-life intimacy.

A new study has confirmed the suspicions of many young job seekers: Gen Z graduates are entering a job market far harsher than the one faced by their millennial predecessors. According to Kickresume, 58% of graduates in the past year are still searching for their first job, nearly twice the rate seen among millennials and Gen X at the beginning of their careers. The challenges are so severe that only 12% of recent graduates have secured a full-time position by the time they leave university—one-third the proportion seen in prior generations. This shift marks a fundamental break from the age-old assumption that a college degree guarantees a career path, and its ripple effects are being felt globally, including in Thailand, where young people are also facing rising uncertainty about their economic futures (Fortune).

A new study shows that Gen Z graduates face a harsher job market than previous generations. Globally and in Thailand, about 58% of graduates in the past year are still seeking their first full-time position, nearly double the rate for earlier cohorts. Only around 12% secure full-time work by graduation, a fraction of prior norms. This trajectory echoes across Thai society, where uncertainty about earnings is rising among young people.

A new study from the University of Maryland finds that even one high school computer science course can lift Gen Z graduates’ starting salaries by about 8%, regardless of their chosen career path. The research, which analyzes early-career earnings, signals the growing value of digital literacy as a foundational skill for today’s economy. Data from reputable institutions suggests that the payoff can be larger for students from underrepresented groups, highlighting CS education as a tool for social mobility.

A new study from the University of Maryland has revealed a compelling link between high school computer science education and future salary prospects, showing that just one computer science class can raise Gen Z graduates’ starting salaries by an average of 8%, regardless of which career path they choose (Fortune). The research delivers a wake-up call to educators, employers, and policymakers around the world—including in Thailand—about the growing importance of digital literacy as a foundational skill in today’s economy.

A new social phenomenon known as ‘fambushing’ is sweeping across households with tech-savvy teens, raising fresh questions for Thai parents about digital boundaries and family privacy. The term describes a growing trend in which teenagers use real-time location-sharing apps to surprise—or “ambush”—their parents at restaurants, shops, or even on dates, sometimes hoping for free treats or simply a laugh. While the practice can be amusing, it is also prompting important conversations about privacy, trust, and digital etiquette in Thai families adjusting to a rapidly evolving technological landscape (Yahoo Lifestyle).

A growing trend among tech-savvy Thai teens is redefining family boundaries: real-time location sharing used to ambush parents at restaurants, shops, or on dates. While playful in tone, the practice raises important questions about privacy, trust, and digital etiquette in Thai households adjusting to rapid technological change. Research from international sources suggests families are grappling with how much visibility is appropriate in a connected life.

In Thailand, smartphones and popular apps such as LINE, Facebook Messenger, and built-in location services are common. Thai parents may relate to stories of surprise visits at busy venues like shopping centers, sparked by a teen’s location-share alert. The availability of continuous location monitoring through tools like Life360, Find My, and other maps has made spontaneous digital encounters more feasible for Gen Z, who are generally more comfortable with technology than previous generations.

A global shift is reshaping perceptions of higher education as young people question the value of a college degree. In the United States, a growing portion of Gen Z says college may not be worth the cost, a revelation that could influence education and employment trends in Thailand as well.

Rising tuition, heavy student debt, and doubts about the wage premium are central to this debate. Data from research conducted by Indeed Hiring Lab and Harris Poll in March 2025 shows that 51% of Gen Z respondents with an associate degree or higher consider their degree a waste of money. This view contrasts sharply with older generations and reflects a broader concern about return on investment. Reports across American media highlight a national mood of skepticism, while parallel polls from other outlets confirm a similar pattern.

A wave of skepticism is sweeping across the United States as a new generation of young adults—especially those from Generation Z—are increasingly questioning the value of a college degree. Recent research reveals that more than half of young Americans now view their college education as a waste of money, a significant shift with profound implications for individuals, educational institutions, and global workforce dynamics.

This generational disillusionment comes at a time when tuition costs have soared, student debt continues to climb, and the traditional advantages of holding a degree are increasingly in doubt. For Thai readers, these trends bear close watching, as they reflect global currents in higher education and could foreshadow developments in Thailand’s own educational landscape.