Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan has reignited a conversation around Gen Z mental health after a resurfaced podcast episode revealed her strong views linking anxiety among young people to excessive internet use and digital validation.

During an episode of ‘What The Hell Navya’, hosted by her granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda, Jaya expressed concern over the mounting stress levels among today’s youth. She attributed the rise in anxiety attacks to the constant pressure for online approval and the compulsive habit of responding instantly to calls and messages.

“Navya, your generation is constantly glued to the phone. You seek validation from how you look online, what you say and whether others approve,” Jaya remarked. “All this builds unnecessary stress. We never heard of anxiety attacks in our childhood—or even midlife, for that matter.”
 

When Navya asked if the internet was a major cause of stress for her generation, Jaya responded with a firm, “Definitely”.

However, not everyone on the couch agreed. Shweta Bachchan, Jaya’s daughter and Navya’s mother, pushed back against the idea that the internet is solely to blame.

“Anxiety has always existed,” Shweta countered. “It’s just more identified and talked about now. People are more open about it—it’s not something new.”

The exchange between the three generations offered a rare, candid glimpse into evolving perspectives on mental health within families. While Jaya’s remarks sparked debate online, many praised the open discussion on a topic still considered taboo in parts of society.

The podcast clip has since gone viral, fuelling discussions about the impact of digital culture on mental well-being, particularly among Gen Z, and highlighting how perceptions of mental health have shifted across generations.

What is an anxiety attack?

According to the Mayo Clinic, an anxiety attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or distress, often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating or trembling. Unlike panic attacks, which are typically abrupt, anxiety attacks can develop gradually in response to prolonged stress or specific triggers.

Though they can be overwhelming, anxiety attacks are not physically harmful. Mental health professionals recommend seeking timely support for proper diagnosis and management.