Gen Z is spiraling into an epidemic of anxiety, and the culprit isn’t just the pandemic or the economy—it’s the addictive poison of doomscrolling. Today’s youth have become hopelessly tethered to their screens, endlessly consuming fear-mongering content that only deepens their anxiety. While the radical left continues to push their narratives, conservatives must stand firm and demand accountability from tech giants who profit off the misery of our children.
According to a new report cited by Newsweek, anxiety among young Americans has nearly tripled since 2019. Back then, only 8 percent of adults aged 18 to 29 reported anxiety; by 2023, that number exploded to 22 percent. Dr. Balachundhar Subramaniam of Harvard Medical School nails it when he says Gen Z is “tied to the hip with social media,” spending up to seven hours a day glued to their phones. This is not just a habit—it’s a cultural sickness, deliberately nurtured by Silicon Valley elites who profit from clicks and views.
Dr. Judson Brewer, director at the Mindfulness Center at Brown University, warns that the rise in anxiety is driven by “pandemic-driven uncertainty, economic precarity, and nonstop social media exposure.” Yet, let’s not forget who perpetuated endless lockdowns and stoked economic ruin: Biden and his progressive allies. Their mismanagement and fear-based messaging created the perfect storm, turning our youth into anxiety-ridden captives, dependent on their digital pacifiers.
Doomscrolling—the compulsive consumption of negative news—has become disturbingly common, with 53 percent of Gen Z regularly falling prey to this destructive habit, according to a 2024 Morning Consult survey. The consequences are already clear. The World Health Organization reports one in ten adolescents now exhibit “problematic social media behavior,” with addiction-like symptoms. Our youth are literally being rewired by an addiction to negativity, anxiety, and hopelessness.
But why is doomscrolling so addictive? Dr. Brewer explains it perfectly: “Each swipe unpredictably ‘rewards’ the brain with information it thinks is vital.” This triggers dopamine—the very same chemical stimulated by gambling or drug use—making scrolling feel rewarding even as it heightens anxiety. That’s right: social media giants are exploiting the same neural pathways as casinos and narcotics dealers, hooking our kids on a cycle of fear and despair for profit.
Andrea Guastello of the University of Florida points out the insidious nature of doomscrolling, noting how it “reinforces worries while simultaneously preventing active coping.” Social media companies, she argues, “literally study our behavior to keep us hooked, the same way junk food manufacturers create foods we keep eating even when we’re not hungry.” Meanwhile, parents watch helplessly as their children become addicted to digital despair.
It’s time conservatives lead the charge to break this destructive cycle. The Trump administration has already made strides in promoting America First policies that put our families and communities first. But we must go further, confronting tech monopolies who exploit our children’s mental health for profit. President Trump has always understood the threat posed by unchecked Big Tech, and his commitment to reforming Section 230 protections must be realized swiftly, ensuring these companies can no longer hide behind outdated laws.
We can’t rely solely on government action. Families must reclaim their authority, setting strict limits on screen time, encouraging real-world interactions, and prioritizing physical activities. As Dr. Subramaniam suggests, we must replace social media addiction with healthier habits: exercise, sports, hobbies, family time, and outdoor activities. These are conservative values—community, responsibility, self-reliance—that America desperately needs right now.
Ultimately, the doomscrolling crisis reflects a deeper issue: a generation robbed of purpose and meaning, searching desperately for identity in a digital wilderness. As Crystal Park of the University of Connecticut points out, young people today seem “less grounded,” ill-equipped to find authentic connections and real meaning. The conservative vision—one rooted in faith, family, community, and patriotism—offers the antidote to this emptiness.
It’s time to rescue Gen Z from doomscrolling’s grip. Conservatives must offer not just criticism, but a clear path forward—one that prioritizes human flourishing over corporate profits. America First means putting our children first, protecting their mental health, and restoring purpose to a generation in desperate need of it.
