A third of young diners are too frightened to order their own food at a restaurant.
A new survey has found that "menu anxiety" is felt the most by Gen Z eaters, with 34 per cent aged between 18 and 24 admitting that they ask others to choose a dish and speak to the waiter for them.
The study, conducted by the Italian restaurant chain Prezzo, also demonstrated that a third of 25-to-34-year-olds decided what to eat based on how the meal will be perceived on social media.
Social anxiety amongst younger generations is thought to have been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic as it has led to people communicating in person a lot less frequently.
Prezzo chief executive Dean Challenger said: "Whilst most people look forward to dining out during the festive season, we know - as our research shows - it can be stressful for some."