Can a Nation Think More about Pizza than Politics?

As we reported earlier, how Indians are turning to tools like Google or ChatGPT to solve their mental health queries, another report has put a stamp on that. In a new nationwide study by Center fresh and YouGov, one in three of their respondents agreed to have used the tools. 

Recently, the WHO's report suggested that anxiety and depression are gripping the world's youth and the new report, namely, 'Center fresh India Overthinking Report', is an addition to it, where it emphasises the overthinking habits of Indians in cities.

The report has revealed the extent to which overthinking has become a part of daily life in India - not just in moments of crisis, but in the smallest, most routine decisions. A first-of-its-kind report finds 81% of Indians spend over three hours a day overthinking, with one in four admitting it’s a constant habit. Whether it’s replying to a message, choosing what to eat, or posting on Instagram.
The data highlights a widespread culture of second-guessing that cuts across generations and geographies.

The report surveyed students, working professionals and those self-employed across Tier 1, 2 and 3 towns in India, with deep dives into four key areas – Food and Lifestyle habits, Digital and Social Life, Dating and Relationships, and Career and Professional Life. The findings throw light on the perplexities of modern life shaped by technology, social expectations, and constant connection, making overthinking a universal habit.

The report found that 61% of Indians think more about what to order than about the National Elections. When asked which is the tougher decision to make, between choosing from the food menu or deciding who to vote for as a political leader, 63% of people agreed with the former, while 37% chose the latter.

One-word replies from the boss are full-blown red alerts

42% of Indians immediately assume the worst scenario when their boss replies “Ok” – the most common reaction across all demographics. Women (42%) and men (41%) are equally likely to jump to worst-case scenarios. Menu stress is real: Indians spend more time deciding their food order than the political leader they wish to vote for.

Internal indecision plays out in the most routine choices. 63% of respondents say choosing a dish at a restaurant is more stressful than picking a political leader. This number rises to 69% in South India.

The quiet pressure behind uploading social media stories

Uploading a story on social media is not hassle-free, especially for Gen Z and females. 61% of Indians admit to overthinking at least five hours—mainly about whether the photo or video is worth sharing (59%). Many also stress over music, filters, and views. When viewing stories of friends and peers on social media, over 60% feel anxious or delay viewing others' stories to avoid seeming eager. Millennials admit to pretending to be casual or waiting to seem chill, revealing how deeply social media fuels self-consciousness.

"With the report, our aim was to decode how overthinking manifests in today’s hyper-connected world—and the insights are eye-opening. Whether it’s second-guessing a message or overanalysing a dinner choice, overthinking has quietly become an everyday habit, cutting across ages and regions. By spotlighting this mental clutter, the report sparks a much-needed conversation about the importance of everyday mental clarity," Gunjan Khetan, from Perfetti Van Melle India says.