The notion of global citizenship is getting ever more important in recent years, particularly in light of the fact that the identity of young people has been drastically transformed by globalization and the presence of social media. This is particularly true in a time when digital media and its influence are shaping and sharing people’s identities. Individuals who were born from 1997 and 2012 are typically referred to as Generation Z. In an exceedingly linked digital society, they have always had access to world-wide information. Current study indicates that prolonged encounters with worldwide crises may have an adverse effect on mental health, despite the fact that global citizenship develops empathy, civic responsibility, and knowledge of other cultures. Young women seemed to be especially impacted by this problem, since they frequently report greater amounts of anxiety and hopelessness than those who are men.
The current research analyzes the literature in the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and media studies to inquire into the relationship between the mental health of Generation Z women and their global citizenship. The essay claims that while global citizenship may elevate young women through social engagement and activism, it may additionally result in fatigue from empathy, cognitive overload, activism exhaustion, and climate anxiety. Professors and lawmakers must to understand this relationship in order to protect youth mental health and advance a global perspective.
Globalization has impacted how individuals think of how they fit in the world. Instead of only thinking of themselves as citizens of a particular country, adolescents are more and more viewing themselves as members of a global community. a viewpoint usually referred to as “global citizenship,” underlines how vital it is to realize how interconnected the world is and take responsibility for finding ways to address global problems including inequalities in society, climate change, and violations of the rights of people. (UNESCO, 2015).
While this sort of interaction could promote participation and understanding, it frequently subjects adolescent people to disturbing contents.
In the past few years, the mental health has been the talk of the town, with then young’s people being affected by psychological issues. Despair, depression or call it anxiety are increasing within young people and adolescents, as per the research literature (Twenge et al., 2018; APA, 2020). Notably, it has seen that women are more prone to have mental health issue than men, and this can be because of many factors and societal expectation and gender roles can be one of them. The World Health Organization says anxiety and depression disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent among women than men (WHO, 2022).
This essay looks at how global citizenship affects the psychological wellness of Generation Z women.
The research paper explores how social media consumption and exposure, emotional involvement with issues around the world, and societal pressures contribute to psychological strain through an overview of multidisciplinary literature.
Examination of the Literature on Global Citizenship and Youth Involvement
The knowledge and leaning of Global citizenship has become an important aspect of contemporary educational systems, as it is the need of the hour to get ourselves educated with the world around us, due to the rapid changes happening every minute, to the technology advancements, it has become more imperative in these days to be aware of everything, this is the pressure that comes with being a global citizen in today’s world. Global citizenship, according to UNESCO (2015), involves cultivating a sense of belonging to a greater human society while vigorously advocating equitable treatment, ecological sustainability, and peace.
These days, being a global citizen implies that you will have a better awareness of other cultures and, depending on your level of cognitive development, it will always affect the personality features of young people by making them more compassionate and civic-minded (Oxley & Morris, 2013). Contrary to this, the opponents claim that this is the result of exposure to a lot of information and being a global citizen of today’s world, which means that young adults feel responsible for trying to make things better in this world and overcoming the challenges of the modern world, as well as the pressure to do more every day, the fact that you are being forced into an area that you did not voluntarily enter, and the sincere belief that this is the source of all the mental stress observed in young individuals. The main cause of depression and all the mental health issues in young people is that they feel like they are lacking in time while others have succeeded and they are still stuck at their level, whether they are their 9–5 jobs or they have the regret of not choosing the right career after witnessing others change in their lives on social media. Due to their early exposure to the world’s knowledge, children who are exposed to violent content on nonsocial media are more likely to experience stress (Andreotti, 2014).
Gaps in Mental Health Based on Gender
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that there are differences between genders or a gap in mental health outcomes. Women are drastically more likely than men to experience mental health issues like anxiety and depressive disorders (WHO, 2022). Research in the field of psychology has shown that women are more susceptible to having psychological issues than men because of several factors, including societal pressure, the biological clock that is ticking, as well as everything that modern society brutally bombards at a woman, making them the target of all such mental distress. Being a woman means you have to fight on many fronts. Research shows that women frequently linger on upsetting experiences, which may increase your vulnerability to depression. Females have the tendency to over-analyze any situation, which leads to over thinking and it increases the risk of mental distress (Nolen-Hoeksema, 2012).
In addition, societal expectations often require women to be more empathetic and conscious of problems in society. Social collaboration requires empathy, yet increased emotional sensitivity may also raise a person’s vulnerability to psychological trauma.
Social Networks and Data Overload
Generation Z’s perspective on global citizenship is significantly shaped by social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X offer instant access to global news, political discussions, and campaigns of advocacy.
Overload of data is one of the primary problems with consuming digital media, according to academics. People who get extra details than they can process are said to be suffering information overload, which can lead to stress and mental strain (Bawden & Robinson, 2009).
Emotional Distress and Empathy Fatigue
The psychological weariness caused on by extended exposure to the misfortune and suffering of others is known as “compassion fatigue” (Figley, 1995). While the study initially focused on health care providers, experts now recognize that any person who is getting upsetting knowledge via news outlets might suffer similar repercussions.
The young people could suffer from mental distress or emotional fatigue if they frequently come across about disputes or conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies (Clayton, 2020).
In addition, study suggest that youth who visit social media more regularly report increased levels of depression and anxiety (Twenge et al., 2018; Keles et al., 2020).
Global Disasters and Environmental Concerns
One of the prime global concerns, that Generation Z has shown concerns about is climate change. A comprehensive worldwide poll by Hickman et al. (2021) found a lot of young people feel powerless, annoyed, and anxious about climate change.
The study discovered that 59% of participants were highly concerned about impending environmental issues. Many felt a sense of despair about the government’s efforts to take on climate change. Research demonstrates that young girls often show deeper emotional responsibility towards environmental problems, which may suggest broader gender differences in social responsibility and empathy (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020).
Discourse about the Emotional Cost of Global Awareness
It is highly encouraged to stay informed and take part in initiatives that deal with these issues considering the rapid rate at which the world is changing. Although it can be mentally tiring, this promotes social responsibility and compassion. Nowadays, Generation Z women are staying ahead in every sector and are actively involved in numerous international campaigns. However, this has the inevitable consequence of exposing human beings in developing countries of the world to injustice, which may make them feel powerless in the face of serious issues like injustice, conflict, and climate change. Because these problems are frequently out of control, emotional anguish may worsen.
Social media’s impact on performative activism:
People today are given greater chances of expressing their opinions about public figures and societal problems because to the growth of performative activism on social media. Though this openness could foster knowledge and discourse, it likewise makes accessible for those who may not act responsibly online to take participate in these discussions. As a result, people who have been engaged on social media sites typically find themselves at the center of criticism and malicious remarks. The psychological well-being of activists and young people is often affected by this online criticism. People who voice out online may experience tremendous mental stress due to social media harassment, cyberbullying, and public backlash (Jane, 2017).
Identity Development and Activism-Related Exhaustion
Formation of identities is crucial during teenage years and the initial years of adulthood. As an Generation Z women, building global citizenship to their sense of self presents challenges as well as opportunities. Social activism could promote leadership and autonomy, yet when sustained involvement with social issues causes mental fatigue, people may experience activism burnout (Gorski & Chen, 2015).
Global Citizenship’s Effects
Global citizenship could enhance psychological health despite having adverse effects as well. By becoming actively involved in campaigns and events for social causes, such a women’s day, can give young women a sense of meaning, direction, and community. Making connections with similar people enhances adaptability through collective activism and fortifies interpersonal support networks (Clayton, 2020). Therefore, it’s imperative to understand that global citizenship is a complex phenomenon with both advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusion
Young women who participate in global concerns using digital platforms, global citizenship has grown into an essential component of Generation Z identity. Although this participation fosters civic duty, compassionate thinking, and understanding of society, it can also exacerbate mental health issues including anxiety, apathy, and activism burnout.
In an era that is becoming increasingly interrelated by the day, recognising the relationship between global citizenship and mental health is fundamental. To advance youth mental health, lawmakers and educational organisations must create impactful policies which foster balanced participation with worldwide issues.
The next generation of women may be strengthened rather than burdened by global citizenship if societies support electronic literacy, provide mental health tools, promote collective activism.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America: Generation Z.
Andreotti, V. (2014). Soft versus critical global citizenship education. Development Education Review, 3, 40–51.
Bawden, D., & Robinson, L. (2009). The dark side of information: Overload and anxiety. Journal of Information Science, 35(2), 180–191.
Clayton, S. (2020). Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 74.
Clayton, S., & Karazsia, B. (2020). Development and validation of a measure of climate change anxiety. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 69.
Figley, C. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Gorski, P., & Chen, C. (2015). “Frayed all over”: Activist burnout. Educational Studies, 41(5).
Hickman, C., et al. (2021). Climate anxiety in children and young people. The Lancet Planetary Health, 5(12), e863–e873.
Jane, E. (2017). Misogyny online: A short history. London: SAGE.
Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). Systematic review: Social media and depression. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, 25(1).
Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2012). Emotion regulation and psychopathology. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 8.
Oxley, L., & Morris, P. (2013). Global citizenship typology. British Journal of Educational Studies, 61(3).
Twenge, J. (2017). iGen. New York: Atria.
Twenge, J., Joiner, T., Rogers, M., & Martin, G. (2018). Depressive symptoms among adolescents. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1).
UNESCO. (2015). Global Citizenship Education: Topics and Learning Objectives.
World Health Organization. (2022). World Mental Health Report.
Amber Zaib
Psychology Graduate, Kingston University London
Amberzaib36@gmail.com
PINE Community Member
About the Contributor:
Amber Zaib is a freelance writer and researcher specialising in the fields of mental health, women’s justice, and empowerment. She holds a degree in Psychology from Kingston University London and is passionate about raising awareness and promoting positive change through her writing.
