Indians are overthinking for three hours or more daily, suggests India Overthinking Report
A new nationwide study by Center Fresh and YouGov reveals 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, the 'Center fresh India Overthinking' 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 cut across generations and geographies.
The report surveyed students, working professionals and those self-employed across Tier 1, 2 and 3 towns in India, 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.
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
Indecision plays out in the most routine choices.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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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 of 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 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.
Google and ChatGPT become everyday therapists
When faced with uncertainty, Indians are increasingly turning to tech for clarity. One in three say they've used Google or ChatGPT to navigate overthinking – from decoding a short message to making a gift purchase decision. Only 13% say they've never done this.
'Through the Center Fresh
India Overthinking 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. Center Fresh, with its refreshing minty gel core, helps break that loop—reminding you to trust your instincts.
So go ahead—say what you feel, wear what you love, post what you believe—and when in doubt,
Dimaag Pe Rakho Lagaam
,' said Gunjan Khetan, Director – Marketing, Perfetti Van Melle India.
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