A new study has found that nearly a third of Generation Z consider themselves 'chronic overthinkers', with many believing the full moon makes matters worse. The research, conducted among 2,000 adults, revealed that 28% of Gen Zers identify as chronic overthinkers, and 46% think the lunar phase amplifies their tendency to overthink.
Overthinking by generation
The survey, commissioned by Extra Gum, showed that Gen Z are the nation's biggest overthinkers, with 69% confessing they frequently spiral over day-to-day matters. Millennials are not far behind, with 63% regularly overthinking, while this figure drops to just 38% among Boomers. Overall, 81% of Gen Z regularly get trapped inside their own heads.
Common overthinking triggers
Replaying embarrassing moments (51%) is Gen Z's most frequently overthought situation, followed by things they wished they had said (50%), and worrying about how their text messages will be perceived (43%). The study also found that 65% re-read texts they've sent, fretting over whether they came across as too dramatic (33%), too keen (27%), or not funny enough (27%). Almost nine in 10 (86%) deliberately delay responding to avoid appearing overly keen.
Voice notes offer no escape either, with 73% of Gen Z having re-recorded a casual message multiple times to get the tone right, compared to just 32% of all adults. Additionally, 82% of Gen Z replay awkward conversations from their day, versus 56% of all Brits.
Social media pressures
Social media plays a significant role in overthinking, with 56% of Gen Z admitting to deleting a post if it failed to receive 'enough' likes or comments within the first hour, compared to just 25% of all Brits.
The full moon effect
The research uncovered that more than a quarter (27%) of all adults believe the full moon can influence how they think and feel, rising to 46% among Gen Z. Young adults believe they are more prone to spiralling or overthinking (14%) during the lunar phase. As a result, 62% of Gen Z say they'll be more guarded about their behaviour during the two full moons in May, compared to just 35% of Brits overall.
Ahead of the second full moon on May 31st, 20% of young adults plan to be more careful about what they send, 17% will avoid sending risky texts, and 16% are ready to blame the moon if things go wrong.
Extra Gum's campaign
Extra Gum has teamed up with reality TV star Stephen Libby to become its Chief Overthinking Officer, marking the launch of its new EXTRA Plus chewing gum range. Stephen said: 'I know the overthinking spiral all too well. I've been in many rooms where every look, comment or pause has been second guessed - and this research shows we're all doing it daily.'
To mark the first full moon on May 1st, EXTRA Plus hosted a pop-up in Manchester, inviting Brits to share their overthinking confessions. Francesca Oddie, astrologer and the brand's Cosmic Chaos Guide, said: 'Full moons have a way of making everything feel a bit more extra than usual. With two full moons in one month, May really does feel like overthinking season.'
Top situations Gen Z overthink
- Over analysing embarrassing moments
- Things I didn't say but wish I had
- Text message or voice note being left on 'read'
- Worrying about how text messages I've sent will be perceived
- What someone meant by a short reply (e.g. OK.)
- Small everyday decisions (e.g. what to wear, what to eat)
- Telling a white lie
- What I posted on social media
- Scrolling deep into someone's Instagram and accidentally liking a photo
- A message from your boss saying, 'free for a chat?'
- Is there a secret WhatsApp chat without me?
- Sending a snapchat to the wrong person
- What I said on a date
- Over analysing voice notes I've received
- Choosing the 'right' emoji
- Voice notes I've sent (e.g. when I was tired)
- How many haha's to put in a group chat to something mildly funny
