Gen Z is Our Last Hope

Summary

Generation Z is recognized as a transformative force, leveraging their unique upbringing and technological savvy to address global issues with compassion and action.

Abstract

Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2010, has come of age in a period marked by significant social and technological changes, setting them apart from previous generations. They have been shaped by the immediate access to global events and information through social media, which has fostered a heightened sense of empathy and a proactive stance on issues such as climate change and social justice. This generation's activism is exemplified by figures like Greta Thunberg and movements responding to events like George Floyd's murder. Despite facing challenges such as increased rates of depression and anxiety, possibly exacerbated by social media, Gen Z is noted for their openness in discussing mental health and their willingness to seek help. Their approach to careers is also innovative, often preferring to create their own paths in emerging industries rather than following traditional job routes. Gen Z's impact is seen as a beacon of hope, promising to reshape the world with their fresh perspectives and determination to improve upon the legacy they've inherited.

Opinions

Gen Z's upbringing during a historically unique period has given them a distinct perspective on global issues.
Their familiarity with technology and social media from a young age has made them more aware and reactive to worldwide events.
This generation is credited with being more compassionate and socially conscious, driven to act against injustices.
Gen Z's activism is not only reactive but also strategic, using social media platforms to mobilize and create widespread impact.
The mental health of Gen Z is a concern, with the pressures of social media and global issues contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Despite these challenges, Gen Z is commended for their willingness to discuss and address mental health issues openly.
They are reshaping career expectations, often prioritizing personal fulfillment and innovation over traditional job security.
Gen Z is seen as a catalyst for change, bringing new ideas and a determination to improve the world they are inheriting.

The growing issues in the world fall on the shoulder of our newest generation and they are more than up for the challenge.

The generation making the headlines was the millennials, mostly complaining about their laziness or how they’re killing different industries because they refuse to spend money they don’t have on things they don’t need. But as the youngest millennials are settling into the workforce and becoming old enough to start families, the attention turns to the next generation, Gen Z.

Born between 1997 and 2010, Gen Z grew up in a unique time in history. The first president they remember was black, gay marriage was legalised when they were still in school and most of their lives can be chronicled through Instagram. Unlike millennials who remember a time before smartphones and the internet, Gen Z knew how to use an iPhone right out of the womb. They were born into the age of social media with unhindered access to any information possible at their fingertips; this has opened their eyes to the rest of the world much earlier than previous generations as a result they are maturing a lot faster.

So before when a tragedy happened it was on the 10 o’clock news, your parents watched this empathetically but helplessly because there was more of social disconnect between what was happening ‘out there’ and their daily lives. Now Gen Z is notified of a tragedy on Instagram or Twitter and can immediately share and repost it. Their increased access to the horrors of the world has made them more compassionate and understanding. They are more ‘plugged in’, so when someone is killed halfway across the world, they feel it as if it was in their own backyard — and are ready to do something about it.

Taking action is not exclusive to Gen Z, protests and marches have been a staple for fighting inequality for decades, but mobilising groups around a common cause across the world in minutes is their speciality. Their compassion doesn’t allow them to stand to by when injustices happen. When Greta Thunberg stood on the UN podium and pleaded with those in power to do something about climate change before it’s too late, she represented the passion and fire that burns within Gen Z when fighting for a cause they care about. Gen Z didn’t just sit back and listen to her words they took to the streets with signs, screams and an inextinguishable desire to change the status quo. When George Floyd was murdered, they were unafraid to do what it takes until their voices were heard. They didn’t take kindly to Trump's beliefs, so they organised a Tik Tok trend to mass buy tickets to his rally in a bid to have as many empty seats as possible. Whether you agree with their ideals or not it’s undeniable they are a formidable force to be reckoned with.

But this unfettered access has its downsides. Gen Z is also the generation with more depression and anxiety. Targeted ads telling them how they should look and constantly comparing their lives to others on social media breeds insecurity. Feeling the weight of all the worlds problem on their shoulders creates anxiety about the future of themselves and the world. Despite this or maybe because of it gen Z have an openness that allows them to talk about their mental health and get help for when needed. They are more attuned to how they are really feeling and are less afraid to seek help or take a break. They are less judgmental because of this — they know they aren’t perfect therefore don’t expect others to be; more readily embrace those who are different from them.

Their dislike to stick to the status quo translates over to careers. They are less willing to accept a job they don’t like and will go as far as creating jobs for themselves that they enjoy. Careers in social media did not exist for previous generations but Gen Z has made millions of dollars monetising themselves through YouTube, Instagram or TikTok. A traditional career doesn’t appeal to them as much as generations before; they are more willing to sacrifice the stability of a ‘normal’ job for something they love.

Generations proceeding them got the ball rolling but in the past few years, it seems as if progress is slow or even worse, stagnant. They are more jaded and readily accept the world as it is now. Gen Z’s radical young minds bring new ideas and an axe to grind with the world they found themselves in and with access to information and new technological advances they will leave this world better than they found it.

As the next generation, Gen Z is our future politicians, teachers and parents we want them to learn from the mistakes of the past and be better than all who came before them.

Originally published for xotv.me.