Gen Z in India: What We’re Really Googling in 2024 (And Why It Should Freak Us Out)

Breaking News trending

Posted by admin on 2024-12-17 |


Gen Z in India: What We’re Really Googling in 2024 (And Why It Should Freak Us Out)

Okay, let’s be real. If you’re part of Gen Z in India, social media is your second home. From meme culture to TikTok trends to Insta stories, we’re constantly plugged in. But what’s actually going down on our feeds in 2024? Spoiler alert: It’s not just influencer gossip and viral challenges.

Turns out, what we’re googling and has tagging most on social media is a lot more serious – and kind of concerning. From mental health struggles to body image issues, career anxiety, and the pressure to “always be on,” Gen Z in India is searching for answers in all the wrong places.

Here’s what we’re looking up in 2024 – and why it should give us all pause.

1. Mental Health: Searching for Solutions in a Sea of Misinformation

Let’s start with the heavy stuff – and trust me, it’s heavy. Searches around mental health, including terms like “depression,” “anxiety,” “therapy,” and “burnout,” have shot up by over 50% in 2024, according to Google Trends. As a generation that’s more open about our struggles, this should be seen as a sign of progress. But here’s the twist: Social media, while raising awareness, is also full of misinformation.

The Problem:

While it’s great that we’re talking about mental health, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with “self-help” tips, unqualified advice, and pseudo-therapy that can make things worse. Everyone’s got a quick fix for stress – whether it’s the latest “5-minute mental reset” or an influencer selling a “miracle” anti-anxiety supplement.

Why it Should Freak Us Out:

The problem is not just the spread of misinformation, but the pressure to perform on social media. We’re constantly comparing our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worsen mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

2. Body Image: The #UnrealisticStandards We Keep Chasing

Next up: the digital obsession with body image. From fitness influencers to beauty tutorials, we’re bombarded with “perfect” bodies, skin, and lifestyles. Searches for things like “skincare routines,” “weight loss tips,” “plastic surgery,” and “how to get a six-pack” are climbing higher each year.

The Problem:

Thanks to filters, Photoshop, and strategically posed photos, Instagram and Tik Tok are creating a warped sense of beauty. We see thousands of people with flawless skin, toned abs, and perfectly curated feeds. But this isn’t reality.

Why it Should Freak Us Out:

A Hindu survey in 2024 found that 63% of Gen Z in India felt pressured to meet these impossible beauty standards. As a result, we’re seeing a rise in body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. Social media may promote confidence, but it often does the opposite – making us feel like we’re not good enough unless we look like the next viral influencer.

3. Influencer Culture: The $200 Million Industry We’re Obsessed With

It’s 2024, and Gen Z in India is all about “influencers.” Whether it’s reviewing gadgets, doing beauty tutorials, or showing off lifestyle hacks, influencers have become the driving force behind consumerism in India. If an influencer promotes a product, we’re Googling it.

The Problem:

While the influencer economy is booming – projected to hit $200 million in 2024 – there’s a catch. We’re spending money on products and experiences because we feel like we should, not because we actually need them. The constant barrage of influencer-sponsored content is creating a consumer-driven culture that’s hard to escape.

Why it Should Freak Us Out:

Gen Z is known for being conscious of social issues like sustainability and ethical consumption, yet we’re still heavily influenced by online ads. A Statista report revealed that 65% of Gen Z in India make purchasing decisions based on influencer recommendations. It’s contributing to a cycle of impulse buys, financial stress, and – let’s not forget – a major strain on the environment.

4. Career Anxiety: Googling ‘How to Be Successful Before 25’

Raise your hand if you’ve ever Googled “how to become a millionaire by 25” or “remote jobs for digital nomads.” Don’t lie. Gen Z is obsessed with success – and the idea of making it big, fast. With the rise of side hustles, freelance gigs, and the pressure to have it all figured out by your mid-20s, career anxiety is at an all-time high.

The Problem:

Gen Z is not just searching for career tips; we’re searching for shortcuts to success. While platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube are filled with career advice, the reality is that success rarely happens overnight. Yet, the internet often gives the illusion that if you’re not hustling hard enough, you’re falling behind.

Why it Should Freak Us Out:

The fear of not “making it” is keeping us on edge, constantly thinking about what’s next. This constant grind is leading to burnout, anxiety, and even depression. A survey by The Economic Times in 2024 revealed that 42% of Gen Z in India feels overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed early in life. We’re chasing happiness through hustle, but at what cost?

5. Activism & Political Movements: Fighting for Change, but at What Personal Cost?

One thing Gen Z in India is undeniably passionate about is activism. Whether it’s climate change, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ equality, or racial justice, we’re using social media to raise awareness and start movements. Searches around hashtags like #ClimateChange, #JusticeFor[insert cause], and #Feminism are at an all-time high.

The Problem:

Gen Z is more socially and politically aware than any generation before us. But engaging in heavy topics every day – especially when things feel out of our control – can lead to burnout. Constantly absorbing the pain of the world can take a mental toll, especially when it feels like change is slow or out of reach.

Why it Should Freak Us Out:

While we’re pushing for change, the emotional weight of social issues is real. Activism fatigue is a growing concern. A 2024 report from the Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry revealed that 58% of young Indians feel overwhelmed by the scale of the issues they’re tackling on social media. Sometimes, we need to step back and protect our mental health too.

What Does This All Mean for Gen Z in India?

Okay, so it’s not all doom and gloom. The fact that we’re Googling mental health topics, social justice movements, and body positivity is a sign that we’re more conscious than ever before. But let’s face it: We’ve got some serious work to do in terms of how we use social media.

The key takeaway? Don’t let social media control your reality. It’s easy to get sucked into the world of perfect filters, success stories, and influencer hype, but remember, it’s all a highlight reel. Take breaks, talk to real people (not just your screen), and remember that social media is just one small part of the world.

In the end, we have the power to reshape how we engage online. Let’s use that power wisely.