Social anxiety is rising among young people in France since Covid-19

Walking into a lecture hall, speaking up in a meeting, starting a conversation: for a growing number of young people in France, these everyday moments feel like a test.

The share of under-30s affected by social phobia, also called social anxiety, has kept rising since the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a pattern that says a lot about the generation now coming of age.

One young person sums up the feeling: "We're watched from every angle, with no right to make mistakes."

The phenomenon points to something bigger than shyness. It reflects how hard it is for this generation to find its place while being expected to build itself in a world that feels increasingly hostile and competitive.

If this sounds familiar, you are far from alone. Social anxiety is a recognised condition, and talking to a doctor or a mental health professional is a good first step.