Millennials Believe They Have The Healthiest Relationship With Technology, But Research Shows They Actually Suffer The Most

Millennials have long been seen as the bridge between analogue childhoods and digital adulthoods. Confident, adaptable and endlessly online, they often view themselves as the most capable when it comes to navigating modern technology.

But, new research from ultrafast broadband provider Trooli paints a far more complicated picture – one in which Millennials’ confidence doesn’t quite match reality.

According to Trooli’s findings, more than three-quarters of Millennials (76%) believe they have a healthy relationship with their devices, and nearly four in five say that they feel in control of their tech usage. These are the highest proportions of any age group.

However, behind this self-assurance lies a troubling truth – that is, Millennials are actually the generation suffering the most from technology’s negative effects.

The Mental Health Burden of Modern Tech

Trooli’s research reveals that Millennials experience some of the strongest negative emotional impacts from technology. 49% admit that they rely on tech to feel better about themselves – interestingly, this is a higher proportion than even Gen Z, the cohort usually associated with deep digital immersion. This dependency suggests a vulnerability that sits beneath the surface of Millennial digital confidence.

The data also highlights that a quarter of Millennials feel isolated due to poor tech skills – tied with Gen Z and significantly higher than older generations. It suggests that, while Millennials were early adopters of rapidly evolving digital tools, they may also be among the most overwhelmed by the speed and complexity of change.

Across all age groups, technology appears to be playing a powerful emotional role. Half of all Brits rely on tech to feel less alone and more connected, and a third say it helps them feel better about themselves. But, for Millennials, the emotional stakes seem even higher, and the gap between perception and reality even wider.

Older Generations: Less Happy, But Less Harmed

In contrast, the research shows that adults over 60 are the least likely to experience mental health struggles related to technology. This is despite the fact that less than half of over-60s believe they have a healthy relationship with their tech. While they may lack confidence (and skill), they do appear to avoid many of the emotional downsides experienced by younger adults. Perhaps this has something to do with lower rates of immersion among over-60s.

This contrast highlights a complex relationship between confidence, competency and wellbeing. Feeling “good at tech” does not necessarily protect younger generations from negative effects, and feeling less confident doesn’t mean older adults are suffering more.

Tech Can Be a Force for Good; With the Right Boundaries, Of Course

Trooli CEO Andy Conibere emphasises the dual nature of modern technology. While it enables connection, remote working and greater convenience, it can also become overwhelming without healthy boundaries. He notes that Millennials, in particular, may struggle because they grew up during a period of intense digital acceleration. Indeed, we went from zero to hundread really quickly.

Conibere suggests that small changes, like scheduling breaks and limiting time on certain apps, can help improve digital wellbeing. With thoughtful habits, technology can remain a powerful force for good rather than a drain on mental health.

As the research shows, confidence alone doesn’t, by any means, guarantee digital wellness.

For Millennials, acknowledging the emotional impact of constant connectedness may be the first step towards a healthier, more balanced relationship with their tech.