Half a decade on, what’s COVID’s lingering legacy?

COVID-19 turns five this year. Yep, it's been that long. While 1-in-8 people continue to battle long COVID symptoms, the world has stumbled straight from lockdowns into a dizzying poly-crisis — and now, Trump's chaos economy. Bottom line? 'Normal' isn't coming back anytime soon, and it certainly doesn't feel like it for many. Public satisfaction with healthcare systems has hit rock bottom. And among the hardest hit? Young people.

The pandemic didn't just disrupt Gen Z's schooling, social lives and early careers — it permanently rewired their outlook on life. Edelman's latest report paints a sobering picture of 18-34-year-olds:

😞 Mental health SOS: 61% feel deep financial anxiety, 58% report loneliness and isolation, and 53% battle depression and anxiety — all directly tied to the pandemic

💔 Social fabric unraveling: 51% have lost faith in their country's ability to unite in future crises, signaling rising mistrust and disconnection

👶 Pandemic babies to no babies: 1-in-4 will opt out of parenthood because of the pandemic — with country-specific figures ranging from 21% in the UK to 36% in India

Your move? Brands, policymakers, and communities now have a window of opportunity: transforming generational grievances into growth. How will you champion mental health? Foster authentic social connection? Or support young people navigating adulthood in an uncertain world?