New research suggests digital conversations are making Gen Z feel more lonely but a simple act can help boost mental health says TikTok star.
Gen Z experiences feelings of loneliness more often than any other generation, according to recent figures. A poll of 2,000 adults found 37 per cent of Gen Z often feel lonely, compared to 15 per cent of Gen X and 11 per cent of Boomers.
A third feel they don’t get enough regular human interaction with the study revealing that on average, respondents spend five-and-a-half hours on screens every day, with 45 per cent believing they spend more time talking to people digitally than they do in person. As a result, a third admit they have gone a few days without speaking to anyone.
More than four in 10 feel lonelier than they did five years ago, with 78 per cent believing it is a growing issue in society. As a fifth of all adults admit they wouldn’t know how to start a conversation with a stranger.
The research was commissioned by McVitie’s, which has teamed up with mental health charity Mind and viral documentary maker A Mug of Life to spotlight the nation’s struggles with loneliness and encourage the nation to get talking again.
Will Shears, a content creator who has become well known on Instagram and Tiktok for his poignant and candid chats with strangers on a bench said: “In a digital world where we’re able to spend time in front of our screens to connect with others, it’s important to remember we can have meaningful connections away from technology too.
“Making strangers cups of tea across the UK has highlighted to me the power that having a chat can have on your mental health. A cup of tea, a biscuit and a lovely chat can have such an overwhelmingly positive impact on you and a stranger’s day.”
Andrew Berrie, from Mind, added: “In a world that has seen so many challenges, including a pandemic, political instability, war and unrest, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it is perhaps no surprise that many of us are feeling lonelier now, compared to five years ago.
“Although loneliness isn’t in itself a mental health problem, having a mental health problem can increase feelings of loneliness. And some research suggests that loneliness can increase stress and is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
“We know talking isn’t the whole solution, but it can help us feel less alone, more able to cope and encouraged to seek support if we need to.
“We’re partnering with McVitie’s to encourage people to connect over a cuppa and a biscuit, and to have those conversations with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.”
Sarah Webster, mental health ambassador at McVitie’s, said: “Whether it’s asking about someone’s day over a cup of tea and a biscuit, going for a walk with an old friend, or opening the biscuit tin during a work break to find out how your colleague is, these day-to-day activities are gateways to conversation.
“We want to see people put the kettle on, enjoy some biscuits and have a good old chat.”
FIVE CONVERSATION STARTERS:
- How are things going for you lately?
- What’s been on your mind recently?
- Would you like a cup of tea and a biscuit?
- What’s something you’re looking forward to?
- What’s your most memorable cup of tea?