The mental health challenges faced by Generation Z in the digital era were the main focus of the Inspiring Talk for Intellectuals (INSTALL) event organized by the Mahasiswa Cinta Qur’an (MCQ) community. In the online discussion held on Friday (10/6), Cahaya Mukhlisa Azdarany, a Physics graduate student at Hasanuddin University, served as a speaker to examine the psychological phenomena currently affecting the younger generation.
In her presentation, Cahaya emphasized that continuous exposure to information on social media creates psychological pressure through the phenomenon of social comparison. This condition makes many individuals feel left behind, ultimately triggering anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and a crisis of confidence in the future. She highlighted the lack of space for the younger generation to take a break from the constant, heavy flow of information.
Furthermore, Cahaya urged participants to be reflective about their own mental state. She noted a phenomenon where many people tend to tightly conceal their inner distress by presenting a perfect image in public. According to her, this represents a real challenge that requires deeper self-awareness.
From an ideological perspective, Cahaya argued that systemic pressures stemming from capitalism and secularism contribute to the mental burden of the younger generation. She offered the view that resolving the mental health crisis requires more than just individual approaches; it demands a holistic improvement of the living system grounded in spiritual values.
In conclusion, Cahaya motivated participants to optimize their potential and knowledge to make a positive impact on their surroundings. She expressed hope that Gen Z can transform into agents of change who do not merely focus on personal ambition, but actively contribute to the well-being of the broader community.
