Is Gen Z Happier Than Millennials? The Surprising Truth

It’s a question that has popped up in many conversations lately: Is Gen Z happier than Millennials? To be honest, I’ve asked myself this too. There’s so much buzz around both generations, each with their own set of unique struggles and advantages. But what really struck me was how different their emotional landscapes seem to be. As I’ve been digging into this, I realized there’s more to the story than just comparing Instagram feeds or TikTok dances.

So, let’s dive in and unpack what makes each generation tick. You might be surprised at how the two generations—despite being so close in age—experience happiness in drastically different ways.

Gen Z: The "Digital Natives" with More Mental Health Struggles

What Drives Gen Z's Happiness?

Okay, let’s start with Gen Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012. They’ve grown up in a digital world—literally immersed in social media, tech, and instant everything. And while it sounds like a dream for some, it’s clear that instant gratification doesn’t always equal happiness. Honestly, they’re more connected than any generation before them, but that also means more exposure to the pressures of social comparison.

I remember chatting with my cousin, who’s 22 and a proud member of Gen Z, about this exact thing. She mentioned how the constant need for validation on platforms like TikTok and Instagram sometimes left her feeling drained, even though on the surface, it seemed like everyone else was living their best lives.

But here’s the thing: Gen Z is very self-aware. They talk openly about mental health, their struggles, and what makes them happy. They’re more likely to admit when they’re not okay and seek help, which is, in a way, a sign of strength. So, maybe that’s why they're a little more likely to experience emotional highs and lows. They’re aware of their feelings, and they feel deeply.

The Rise of Mental Health Issues

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Gen Z has seen a sharp increase in mental health challenges. Reports show rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among them. While these challenges can’t be ignored, I do think they reflect the struggles that come with living in an always-connected world where you’re constantly exposed to other people’s successes and opinions.

Well, isn’t it interesting? On one hand, they might seem like they’ve got it all figured out, but the constant bombardment of “perfect” lives on social media has definitely taken a toll. In fact, studies have shown that Gen Z has a higher rate of self-reported unhappiness compared to older generations. But they’re also breaking the stigma around mental health, which—let’s be honest—is an important step forward.

Millennials: The "Burnout Generation"

What Makes Millennials Tick?

Now, let’s talk about Millennials—born between 1981 and 1996. This generation came of age during the rise of the internet, social media, and all the cultural shifts of the 2000s. But they also faced the 2008 economic crash, job instability, and the pressure of entering adulthood with a shaky financial foundation. Unlike Gen Z, who’s more likely to embrace therapy and openly talk about struggles, Millennials tend to bottle things up or mask emotions behind their work.

A few months ago, I had this heart-to-heart with a Millennial friend of mine. She’s in her early 30s and said, “I feel like I’m always hustling, trying to make it. But where’s the happiness in that?” And she’s not alone. For Millennials, happiness often feels like something just out of reach, especially when they’re still dealing with the financial and emotional aftermath of the recession.

The "Hustle Culture" Trap

One thing that really stands out with Millennials is their tendency to fall into the hustle culture trap. There’s this constant push to work harder, be more productive, and “keep up.” Honestly, I don’t blame them. I’ve caught myself falling into that same cycle many times. And let’s be real: constantly chasing achievements and success doesn't always leave time for relaxation or enjoying the little moments.

Millennials also face a different set of challenges. While Gen Z deals with the impact of social media on their self-worth, Millennials were the pioneers of the digital age. They had to adapt to the rise of technology and were the first ones to feel its effects. Many Millennials experienced financial instability during key moments in their lives, and that weight is something they continue to carry today.

Comparing Happiness: Gen Z vs. Millennials

A Generation Divided by Technology

Okay, here’s where it gets interesting. Both generations have access to the digital world, but they use it in vastly different ways. Gen Z seems to have this mindful relationship with technology—they’re more aware of how social media affects their mood and make efforts to regulate their usage. They might take digital detoxes or curate their feeds to reflect things that make them feel good. For Millennials, social media was more of a "look at me" space during their formative years, and many are still caught in that cycle of validation.

In terms of happiness, Gen Z might seem like they’re having a more balanced emotional experience because they know when to step away. Millennials, on the other hand, often feel that happiness is something they need to achieve, and they’re constantly striving for it. But as we’ve learned over time, striving for happiness can sometimes make it even more elusive.

Work, Life, and Balance: The Big Difference

Honestly, what it really boils down to is how each generation approaches work-life balance. Gen Z seems to be more in tune with the fact that life isn’t all about working or achieving milestones. They prioritize mental health, self-care, and the importance of boundaries in a way that Millennials—who grew up in a "work hard, play hard" environment—may struggle to grasp.

I remember a conversation with my colleague, who’s a Millennial and is constantly juggling work, family, and side projects. She told me, “I feel like I’m always running on empty, and happiness feels more like a destination than something I can actually feel in the moment.” That’s the real struggle for Millennials—happiness often feels like something they have to earn, not something they can simply be.

Conclusion: Who’s Happier?

So, is Gen Z really happier than Millennials? Not necessarily. Each generation faces its own set of challenges, and happiness looks different depending on who you ask. Gen Z is more self-aware, more open about mental health, and perhaps a bit more in touch with the balance they need to find happiness. Millennials, though, are still navigating the consequences of a difficult economic landscape and may feel happiness is something they need to earn through hard work and perseverance.

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a clear-cut answer. But what’s true is this: Both generations have the potential to find happiness, but they need to redefine what it means to be truly happy in their own unique ways.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.