We are more connected than ever, with our high-speed Internet, pinging smartphones, and constantly updating apps and social networks. (iPhone 17e, anyone?!)
And yet, we are also lonelier than ever, especially younger generations, who are even more likely to be on their digital devices for longer periods of time. It turns out that Generation Z is the loneliest generation of all, according to the Cigna Group's 2025 report “Loneliness in America.” It found that 67% of members of Generation Z reported feeling lonely (65% of millennials, who also grew up with digital technologies, did as well, compared to 60% of members of Generation X and 44% of baby boomers).
What's more, approximately 1 in 5 adolescents ages 13 to 17 experience high rates of loneliness, according to a 2025 report from the World Health Organization; and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of high school students reported “persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness” in 2023.
Dr. Shairi Turner, health director at the nonprofit Crisis Text Line, a free 24/7 text-based mental health service, calls it “a public health crisis” that is hitting Gen Z especially hard for a reason.
“They are now between 14 and 29 years old, so they are digital natives and very comfortable being connected to people on the phone,” he says. “But that connection doesn't replace human connection. It gives the illusion of being close, but without real interpersonal interaction.”
This is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in single-parent households, he says.
“This is a generation that lived through the pandemic during some key developmental years; some of their formative years may have been locked down, using smartphones, [instead of] develop critical social skills,” Turner says. “And Gen Z is more likely to have grown up in single-parent households and returned to an empty house where one parent was working or moved back and forth between homes.”
So where to go from here? Be aware of the warning signs, Turner says.
“Does your child spend more time on their phone than with their friends?” she says. “Do your kids come home upset about interactions at school or with their friends more often than not? And, are they avoiding in-person extracurricular activities like sports or clubs? These are all things to pay attention to.”
Here are Turner's top three tips for helping your Gen Z kids cope with loneliness.
Be present and participate in active listening.
“Give them the space to share their feelings. Just be present and listen to your child, don't put words in their mouth. Create that safe space so they know they can share with you that they're feeling alone. Ask open-ended questions. Instead of saying 'did you have a good day?' where they can say “yes” or “no,” ask a more provocative question: “What did you do today that you enjoyed?” Or: “Is there anything that you found challenging today?” Brainstorm with them about options or ways they could have handled a situation differently; or do some role-playing with your child, so they feel prepared the next day.”
Plan outdoor social activities
“That can be with your child or with your child and their friends. Connect without pressure: 'Let's bring some kids and go to the park.'” Plan something around a shared interest, like soccer or baseball, where you enjoy the sport together and don't have to sit and talk under pressure – you can just have fun. Our report on youth in crisis shows that outdoor third space areas (parks and recreation) help youth cope with their mental health. “These same young people identified sports and opportunities for social connection as helpful for their mental health and well-being.”
Explore mental health resources
“Know what the school resources are, what is available, before Your child needs mental health support. Are there counselors, school psychologists? What is the set of resources at school or in the community if my child needs them: therapists, local support groups? Our Crisis Text Line is great because it's over the phone and most youth are comfortable with that and can text our volunteers and it's confidential. “It’s about being prepared and aware.”
Ultimately, Turner says, young people are resilient (their brains are still growing) and intentional parenting goes a long way toward counteracting the effects of digital devices and social media.
“It's never too late to foster (and model) positive interpersonal skills,” Turner says. “Meaning: person-to-person connection.”
