The Future Game: research and conclusions on the emotional health of Generation Z

In recent years, emotional health has moved from being a topic of interest to one of central concern for youth. Since the 2020 pandemic, anxiety, depression and psychological distress have increased alarmingly, especially among Generation Z.

According to the 2021 Youth Barometer, the percentage of young people who report having suffered mental health problems very frequently has increased from 6.2% in 2017 to 15.9% in 2021. This figure is just one of many that reflect young people’s growing concern about their emotional well-being.

Aware of this reality, BBK Kuna and DOT. have promoted The Future Game, a social lab where they have innovatively explored the emotional health of Generation Z. The result is Emotional Eruption Z, a project that offers an in-depth diagnosis of how young people feel, what factors affect their well-being and what strategies can help improve their emotional health.

An erupting volcano

The emotional distress of youth has taken the form of a volcanic eruption that has flooded all spaces in society. Social media has become a reflection of this reality, where terms such as “anxiety”, “depression” or “burnout” constantly appear.

But beyond the alarming headlines, Emotional Eruption Z seeks to take it one step further: understanding what is happening and how we can act.

The report shows that mental health is not just an individual problem, but a structural phenomenon influenced by economic instability, social pressure and uncertainty about the future. One of the most striking facts is that society as a whole is the factor that has made young people feel the worst in the last year, followed by their teachers and bosses. This shows that it is not just an internal problem, but a generational feeling of misunderstanding and lack of support.

The role of The Future Game

In order to address this reality, The Future Game has used innovative methodologies that go beyond traditional surveys. Through interactive stories, immersive experiences and gamification, they have been able to access valuable information about how young people experience their emotional health. This methodology allows delving into their emotions, fears and expectations for the future in a more authentic and closer way.

The full report, available at generaciondecristal.es, lists key lessons from this research as well as areas of opportunity to improve the emotional well-being of Generation Z.

An event to share conclusions

To present the results of this research, we will hold an event on 17 February in Sala BBK in Bilbao. During the event, Braulio Gómez, researcher of the project, will share the main conclusions, followed by a round table with young people who have participated in the study. It will be a space for dialogue that is essential for those who want to understand the reality of today’s youth and reflect on possible solutions.

Details of the event:

Date: 17 February
Schedule: 10:00 – 11:30
Venue: Sala BBK, Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, 19-21, Bilbao
Agenda:
10:00 – 10:20 Welcome and introduction
10:20 – 10:35 Presentation of the conclusions with Braulio Gómez
10:35 – 11:10 Round table with young people
11:10 – 11:30 Closing remarks and next steps

If you want to better understand how Generation Z feels and what we can do to support their emotional well-being, you can’t miss this event.

Click here to register and attend

 Looking forward to seeing you!