According to theWorld Happiness Reportfor 2024, Gen Z is, right now, the unhappiest generation.

Recently, I stumbled upon aReddit threadthat touched upon just that.

In it, userOk_Anywhere_3466asked: “Why are people in their 20s miserable nowadays?”

Woman in a plaid shirt giving a thumbs down gesture

Now, there is a mental health crisis.

I increasingly feel that 20s arent about anything in particular.

Neither are teens and 30s onward, aside from just being okay.

Person lying down, looking at camera and looking sad

I think now we are all just trying to be ‘okay’ as opposed to great, etc.

Suspicious_Search369

2.

“No one I know in their 20s is partying or having a good time.

Person with a perplexed expression standing in front of a brick wall

Spilled_Milktea

3.

Giving maximum effort and getting the minimum in return.

Being looked down on.

Woman sitting at a desk with a laptop, looking bored or contemplative, with a notepad and pen in front

That’s why we’re so miserable.”

Honest_Math_7760

4.

“Because no one can afford anything.

Hand inserting coin into piggy bank, stack of money with a house model behind it, all crossed out with a red "X"

ThatbitchGwyen

5.

The_Toad_Sage4

6.

“The job market is bleak.

Mini shopping cart filled with groceries on orange background with a large yellow arrow pointing right

Starting salaries are low if you’re lucky enough to get a job.

i4k20z3

7.

EndlesslyUnfinished

8.

Image of a person with sunglasses and dress, crossed out with red X, walking in an alleyway

Social media promotes unrealistic expectations for appearance and relationships.

Mental health care for adults is non-existent.

Why shouldn’t I be miserable?”

Woman in white top and jeans with a shrugging gesture, indicating uncertainty or a question

SensitiveFirefly

9. q3dm_17

10.

I’m just starting to apply to college and I am still struggling with maturity.”

BuzzOff2011

11.

Your brain gets absolutely f’d watching 20-second TikTok-style dopamine hits for hours on end.

“Again, this is just my own personal observation and I am not a doctor or anything.

Excellent_Jeweler_43

12.

SIRcumsocks

13.

We are living in hell and y’all want us to smile about it and we arent.”

Strange_Hour2222

14.

Also, nowadays it feels like I’m falling behind compared to the youngsters.

Just my personal thoughts."

Kupim01

15.

I can’t afford to travel unless I starve for the rest of the month or use my savings.

Also, 4050-year-olds at work still treat us like kids."

kidmosquid

16.

Now I’m not sure about the causes.

ProvigilandChill

17.

Gen Z is not even lying to themselves.

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.