The Perfectionism Epidemic in Gen Z: Anxiety Grows Amid Social Media and Expectations

According to research by British psychologist Thomas Curran, levels of perfectionism among young people have steadily risen in recent decades, correlating with increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Social media amplifies this trend through constant comparisons, idealized images, and expectations of a flawless life.

What Curran and His Colleagues Found

• In a meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin (Curran & Hill, 2019), data from more than 164 samples and 41,641 students in the US, Canada, and the UK between 1989 and 2016 were analyzed.
• The results showed growth in three key types of perfectionism: self-oriented (high personal standards), other-oriented (high expectations toward others), and especially socially prescribed perfectionism — the sense that society, peers, and parents demand perfection.
• The feeling that “others demand perfection from me” increased the most — by about a third compared to earlier generations.
• Curran emphasizes that this rise is not just a personal or family issue but reflects broader cultural and social changes: competition, ideals of success, parental and societal pressure, all intensified by social media, where beauty, success, and lifestyle are presented in idealized, often edited forms.

How Social Media Impacts Gen Z: Mechanisms of Pressure

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat provide young people with spaces for self-presentation, where likes, followers, and curated images are key metrics of validation. Here’s how this fuels anxiety and depression in Gen Z:

Comparison and “Perfect” Images

• The Norwegian “LifeOnSoMe” study (2020–2021) found that teens who focused more on self-presentation and upward social comparison often showed higher levels of perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms.
• Filters, retouching, and curated content create unattainable standards of appearance and lifestyle — meaning people compare themselves not to reality, but to idealized versions of others. This puts heavy pressure on self-esteem.

The Inner Critic and Self-Demands

• Perfectionism involves not only fear of external judgment but also an inner standard that is often unrealistic. This leads to a chronic feeling of being “not enough.”
• Dependence on external validation — likes, comments, follower counts — can cause anxiety (fear of not being noticed, liked, or approved of) and depressive moods when expectations don’t match reality.

Consequences: When the Pursuit of Perfection Becomes Harmful

For many, this is not just about “being better,” but a daily battle with themselves. Researchers describe several consequences:

1. Heightened anxiety and stress: fear of “not being good enough,” fear of mistakes, fear of not matching ideals broadcast by social media and society.
2. Depressive moods: when standards are unrealistic, imperfection is seen as a personal failure.
3. Eating disorders and body dissatisfaction: viewing oneself through the lens of others’ ideals often lowers self-esteem and drives attempts to conform through dieting, excessive exercise, or even surgery. The LifeOnSoMe study highlights a link between upward comparisons and disordered eating.

What Can Be Done: Paths to Support and Change

Perfectionism is not always harmful — high standards can be healthy when balanced with flexibility, self-compassion, and realistic expectations. But when it becomes a source of ongoing distress, intervention is needed. Possible steps include:

• Develop critical thinking toward social media: recognize that many images are filtered, staged, or curated.
• Support from psychologists and school services: integrating programs to build resilience, reduce anxiety, and address perfectionism.
• Encourage self-acceptance and self-compassion: learning to be kind to oneself, acknowledging weaknesses and imperfections.
• Reduce cultural pressures: parents, teachers, and employers can help by valuing not only results but also process and growth.
• Social media platforms can introduce tools to reduce comparison: for example, downplaying like counts or encouraging more authentic, “unedited” content. Some pilot projects already test “reality vs inspiration” modes.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you or your loved ones are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, please seek help from a qualified specialist.