GenZs sacrificing career opportunities due to fear of society:Youth fear people will judge them

Gen Z (aged 14–29) might be quick to send direct messages (DMs) on Instagram, but when it comes to reaching out to bosses or senior colleagues, they tend to get nervous. According to a new report by LinkedIn, 83% of Gen Z professionals in India avoid reaching out to people who could help them in their careers. The primary roadblock? The fear of being judged. The report highlights the key anxieties holding young professionals back: As a result, this digital-first generation—known for being online 24/7—is missing out on valuable advice, mentorship, and career opportunities. The Networking Gap While 79% of Indian Gen Z professionals agree that building professional relationships is essential, more than half (52%) admit they do not know how to take the first step. The struggle does not end there: This hesitation comes at a high cost. In India, job seekers with “insider connections” are 8.5 times more likely to get hired compared to those without any connections. Avoiding networking, therefore, directly translates to missing out on jobs. Seniors are Ready to Help Fortunately, the door is open from the other side. The survey reveals that 92% of Millennials and 95% of Gen X professionals are highly willing to help strangers who are just starting their careers. As career paths become less linear and more dynamic, the ability to build strong professional relationships has become just as important as technical skills. Networking is not about spamming strangers with sudden messages or awkward pitches. It is about small, consistent conversations that build trust over time, eventually leading to opportunities, advice, and support when you need it most. -Nirjita Banerjee, Career Expert and Senior Managing Editor (India) at LinkedIn About the Survey The survey was conducted by the research agency Censuswide on behalf of LinkedIn, polling 18,050 full-time and part-time working professionals (aged 18 to 80). The study was conducted between July 20 and August 11, 2026, across several countries, including India, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The findings show that the “fear of judgment” is a global barrier preventing young professionals worldwide from speaking up and connecting.