Menu anxiety, or the fear of choosing a menu, has become a serious issue for Generation Z. A survey conducted by the Prezzo restaurant found that 86% of Generation Z experience anxiety when ordering food at restaurants. This anxiety is triggered by factors such as food prices, not finding preferred menu items, and regret after placing an order.

Millennials are also affected by this problem, with over a third of them stating that the multitude of menu choices is a key trigger for menu anxiety. In fact, 38% of Generation Z and Millennials admit they are reluctant to go to restaurants if they don't know beforehand what menu options are available.

Social media also plays a role in exacerbating this anxiety. Many members of Generation Z choose their restaurant meals based on menus heavily featured on social media platforms. This is due to the "performative" culture on social media influencing their food choices.

According to NYU Business Professor Jonathon Haidt, the high levels of anxiety and depression experienced by Generation Z are partly due to the performative culture on social media. Internal Google data also shows that nearly 40% of Generation Z seek food references from platforms like Instagram and TikTok rather than Google.

Executives in fast-food chains in the US have noted that Generation Z tends to order large amounts of takeout food and dine out in large groups. They prefer restaurants promoted by influencers on social media with visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing dishes that are Instagram-worthy.

With menu anxiety on the rise, it is crucial for restaurants to cater to the needs and preferences of Generation Z by offering appealing menus aligned with current trends.