In an era of rapid social and technological change, an interesting phenomenon is emerging: Generation Z, which includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012, is experiencing faster visual aging compared to their predecessors - the millennials born between 1980 and 1997. These observations, which have become the subject of many discussions and analyses, they raise questions about how the modern way of life and social norms affect young people. Is this a result of the increased stress they experience in today's world?
Does it have a significant impact on the aging of Generation Z how to use and interact with social media? In this article, we will explore these factors and try to understand how they affect the generation Z, and the reasons for this noticeable difference in aging compared to millennials.
What is affecting the aging of Generation Z
Let's start with an observation raised by a TikTok user: Generation Z seems to be aging faster compared to millennials. This phenomenon has been observed and commented on from various perspectives, stress being highlighted as a key factor. The user noticed that generation Z already looks like an adult, which he attributed to the stress they experience due to modern life challenges. Other TikTok users agreed, adding that taking care of your mental and physical health is vital because you can stress affects appearance and general health. Some have highlighted the importance of skin care products that millennials use more consistently, which could contribute to their more youthful appearance.
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Let's delve into the behavioral health of Generation Z, which is facing an unprecedented crisis. McKinsey research found that America's Generation Z has the least positive outlook and the highest prevalence of mental illness of any generation. European respondents reported problems with self-stigmatisation. This pessimistic state is the result of increasing global unrest, wars, disruptions, financial crises and educational disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are additionally burdened by "climate anxiety", as many think about the fate of the planet on a daily basis.
Furthermore, the use of social media from a young age has long-term effects on Generation Z. Research shows that it has caused sleep disturbances, increased incidents of online violence and symptoms of depression. This generation has experienced changes in the way they form identities and establish connections, which have been heavily influenced by social media.
Photo: envatoTo understand the impact of social media on Generation Z, it is important to understand that they were introduced to this environment at an early age, which greatly influenced their development. This constant exposure has resulted in Generation Z not having the opportunity to develop friendships and personal relationships without "performing". This is in contrast to millennials, who have had the ability to choose when and how they engage with the world of social media.
With all this in mind, it becomes clear that Generation Z faces many challenges that can affect their health and appearance. From stress arising from contemporary social and environmental challenges to the impact of social media on their development and mental health, all these factors contribute to the perception that Generation Z is visually aging faster than millennials.
Are Smartphones Affecting Generation Z's Faster Aging?
The blue light emitted by devices such as smartphones, tablets and computer screens is known as high-energy visible light (HEV). This form of light has potentially harmful effects on the skin, which could contribute to faster aging, especially in Generation Z, who are often exposed to such devices.
Blue light can accelerate skin aging, causing wrinkles and dark spots. High-intensity blue light is considered a new danger to the skin, as it penetrates deeper into the skin, even into the subcutaneous tissue. This light, with its intense energy, can cause the formation of toxic reactive forms of oxygen that affect all components of the skin.
Photo: envatoStudies show that blue light penetrates the skin, creates harmful free radicals and breaks down collagen, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. Although it is important to note that research in this area is still ongoing, it points to the possibility that blue light contributes to skin aging.
Visible light can generate reactive oxygen species and matrix metalloproteases that can damage DNA. Visible light can cause inflammation that accelerates aging. Interestingly, visible light is less efficient per unit of energy than UV light, but there is 10 to 15 times more visible light than UV in the solar spectrum, making its effect on aging significant.
Based on all this information, it can be concluded that blue light, which comes from modern technologies, can affect faster skin aging. This impact could be particularly pronounced with Generation Z, who are often exposed to this light due to their digital habits. This factor, along with other stress and environmental factors, could contribute to the perception that Generation Z is visually aging faster compared to millennials.
