A 2024 study in the Interactive Journal of Medical Research reviewed digital methods that were designed to promote spiritual and mental health among Gen Z. According to this study, a distinctive feature of Gen Z is that this generation spends more time on digital platforms than interacting with others. For example, a 2025 report by Harmony Healthcare IT found that Gen z spends an average of 6 hours and 27 minutes per day on their smartphones, and that this use was higher than other generations. The 2024 study further argued that because social media use is associated with mental health concerns, and spirituality is known to be a buffer against such concerns, then addressing spirituality through digital methods should be an important consideration for mental health experts.
The Impact Of Faith, Religion, And Spirituality On Mental Health
Faith, religion, and spirituality are different constructs that have various impacts on mental health. Faith represents internal beliefs that often dedicates a person’s trust. Studies have consistently shown a positive association between faith and mental health among emerging adults. For example, a 2025 study in the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health found that faith in God was a protective factor against poor mental health among college students, and that this relationship was mediated by hope, meaning of life and resilience.
Religion represents organized practices and communities, and the relationship between religion and mental health is dependent on the community. Positive religious communities can foster social support and effective coping. However, harmful religious communities can result in identify conflicts, guilt, and religious trauma. A 2015 report on LiveScience.com highlighted the potential positive and negative impact of religion on mental health.
Spirituality is often associated with experiences that promote personal meaning and connection with self or the universe. Common spiritual practices include meditation and gratitude. A 2025 report on DeconstrucingStigma.org summarized how spiritual practice benefits the mind and body, is associated with lower depression and distress, and helps to build bonds with others.
Possible Role Of Digital Mental Health Platforms
A 2024 report on Forbes.com discussed the impact of social media on the relationships of young adults, and a 2025 follow-up report on Forbes.com discussed the impact of social media on internal constructs, such as the imaginary audience. Furthermore, faith, religion, and spirituality are popular among Gen Z in the United States. According to a 2025 report by Capital News Service, though the number of Christians have declined within the past 10 years, 45% of America’s Gen Z identify with the Christian faith. A 2022 report by the Springtide Research Institute indicated that 68% of the young people identified as religious, and 77% claimed to be spiritual.
The study in the Inactive Journal of Medical Research argued that some emerging adults report that their social media use conflicts with their religious beliefs, which suggested a need for more applications with religious content. There’s also evidence of a more direct impact. A 2024 study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research: Formative Research found improvements in mental health and spiritual wellbeing after the use of a mobile prayer app. In addition, a 2025 study in the Journal of Religious Health found that a digital intervention program tailored with spiritual messaging resulted in improved spiritual health, well-being, and happiness, as well as reductions in stress and anxiety.
In 2013, the American Psychological Association released a report on the role of religion and spirituality in mental health. It’s not surprising that these roles would include use of digital platforms by Gen Z. As such, there should be more awareness on the impact of faith, religion, and spirituality on the mental health of Gen Z, and experts should continue to assess the possible benefits of digital mental health platforms.
