Too Much Freedom, Not Enough Connection: Inside Gen Z’s Crisis

Writer Clare Ashcraft explores why her generation, dubbed the “anxiety generation,” is struggling despite unprecedented convenience and opportunity. From the decline of local communities to the rise of disembodied online living, Ashcraft argues that Gen Z’s abundance of freedom — without structure or obligation — has eroded deep connections, purpose, and resilience. She reflects on how technology, shifting cultural norms, and a lack of grounding in physical spaces have left many young people feeling unmoored, and why a return to small, everyday responsibilities may be the key to restoring joy and meaning.