Gen Z Suffers From 'Menu Anxiety' When Dining Out. What Is It?

In a world where 'what's on the menu' is as important as 'what's on your social media feed', it seems Gen Z has added "menu anxiety" to the list of challenges they face.

Navya Sharma

Updated on: 18 December 2023 11:40 am

Representative image

It seems like Gen Z is bringing their anxieties to the dining table and it's not just about what's on their plates.

A recent survey by the British restaurant chain Prezzo, which involved over 2,000 people in the UK, found that a whopping 86% of Gen Z experience "menu anxiety" when dining out.

So, what's causing this worry? Well, it turns out that the cost of the meal is a big reason, along with the fear of not finding something they actually like on the menu. And let's not forget the post-order remorse – a real struggle for many young diners.

Interestingly, more than a third of millennials expressed that having too many choices on a menu also adds to their "menu anxiety".

The survey also revealed that 38% of Gen Z and millennials prefer to check the menu before deciding to eat at a restaurant. Additionally, a third of Gen Z admitted to asking others in their group for help when placing their orders.

For those aged 25 to 34, another worry related to the menu is the fear of mispronouncing their food choices. Almost half of this age group revealed feeling anxious about saying their preferences correctly when ordering. Okay, we all have been there at some point, right?

Social Media's Influence

The impact of social media on the dining habits of young people is undeniable. A third of 25 to 34-year-olds admitted to selecting menu items based on their potential to appear visually appealing on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Commenting on the same, NYU business professor Jonathon Haidt linked the rising rates of anxiety and depression among Gen Z to a "performative" social media culture, suggesting that this generation's focus on present threats may hinder their creativity and future thinking.

Furthermore, internal Google data from July revealed that nearly 40% of Gen Z prefer scouring Instagram and TikTok for dining options rather than relying on traditional search engines like Google or Google Maps.

Fast food executives in the US have also observed the dining patterns of Gen Z. Ordering a lot of takeout, preferring group dining, and being swayed by social media influencers are all part of their culinary preferences.