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Canada Study: Social Anxiety Up 71% Since 2002

6/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Canadian study found social anxiety disorder affects one in seven adults, a 71% rise since 2002.
The study of 8,716 adults showed prevalence at 14%, up from 8% twenty years earlier.
It found 24% of 20-to-24-year-olds versus 6.2% of those 65 and older.
Researchers Tak-Lai Nellie Chau and Esme Fuller-Thomson said the rise is linked to digital communication, reduced face-to-face contact, childhood abuse and domestic violence.

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Story summary

A Canadian study found social anxiety disorder affects one in seven adults, a 71% rise since 2002.
The study of 8,716 adults showed prevalence at 14%, up from 8% twenty years earlier.
It found 24% of 20-to-24-year-olds versus 6.2% of those 65 and older.
Researchers Tak-Lai Nellie Chau and Esme Fuller-Thomson said the rise is linked to digital communication, reduced face-to-face contact, childhood abuse and domestic violence.