Gen Z Is Not the Future—They are the Now

As the world is moving into a changing scenario - the digitalized world, the social platforms, and recently Artificial Intelligence, human versus robot, we have recently heard the “Gen Z” Generation Z and their friendships are quantifiable by how many likes and comments they receive on Instagram, and they have never known a world without a Wi-Fi signal!

They populate the neighborhoods, their thumbs competitively typing out replies in group chats. The impact this group of people has on society is truly phenomenal. Compared to other generations, Generation (Gen) Z is unique and​ ​confident. This​ ​remarkable ​gen ​will​ ​be​ ​changemakers​ ​in​ ​society​ ​because of​ ​the​ ​determination​ ​they have, ​the​ ​technology​ ​available, ​and​ ​the​ ​quick​ ​access​ ​to​ ​information.

De facto, to distinguish and explain Generation Z, what to expect from them and how they are already challenging the world around them, is a necessity for helping empower them. 

Before moving further into the topic of Generation Z, we should understand the previous generations and thus will give a clearer comprehension of how Generation Z is viewed by the public.  Demographically, Gen X is defined as those born between 1965 and 1979 and then continued by Y and Z.  After viewing the parents of Generation X and the parents that Gen X turned out to be, discussing the problems that Gen X had to deal with and left behind is needed to educate Gen Z. 

It is quite prominent that If Gen Z is to face the future, it needs to have an adequate education.  If a person does not remember a defining event and does not have a strong emotional connection to it in real time, then it has always been history to them—meaning they are not part of the generation that coincides with that event. 

Research has shown that the brains of Generation Z are structurally different than those of earlier generations. This has nothing to do with genetics and everything to do with how they use their brains to respond to events in the environment. Many sources say that Gen Z is good at “multitasking,” but the human brain has a limited ability to do that. A better term is “task switch,” and while this generation is better at this than previous generations, there is a price to pay. What they are actually doing is adaptive reflexes—faster switching and more active working memories. “A neuropsychiatrist at Harvard Medical School calls this trend, ‘Acquired Attention Deficit Disorder (AADD)’ to describe changes to the brain that are seen where Generation Z uses technology” [Rothman]. This results in the inability to focus and analyze complex information or issues. 

Among instructors, there is some consensus that the attention span of this generation is more limited when compared to earlier generations. Continued interactions with a fast-paced, sensory-laden, multimedia environment predispose/influence a brain to a shorter attention span. In the classroom, the average student’s attention span is seven to ten minutes; but online, it is now eight seconds. 

Who is Gen Z? Just like in Generation X, Gen Z was given an archetype and cycle as the “Adaptive Artist”. An adaptive artist gives the traits of placid, inter-dependent and underprotective. It would be easy to assume that they are just an exaggerated version of the generations that came before them, but Gen Z is more diverse than any other generation. 

It is better to understand the “Generation” and how from X to Z, it evolves.  Generation X was actually coined back in the 1950s and popularized by Douglas Coupland in 1991 in his book, Generation X. The naming convention that began with X—as the generation that supposedly lacked direction and definition—and then continued Y through Z was essentially an accident.  Demographically, Gen X is defined as those born between 1965 and 1979.  Gen X was accounted for as an “Awakening Nomad.” This means that many Gen-Xers distrust authority and large institutions including corporations, religious institutions and the government. They became the rebels of society.   

After viewing the parents of Generation X and the parents that Gen X turned out to be, discussing the problems that Gen X had to deal with and left behind is needed to educate Gen Z. 

“The price of housing, like the price of any good or service in a free market, is driven by supply and demand. When demand increases and/or supply decreases, prices go up”. The most common issue among today's young adults is that student loan debt is hindering them from the ability to save.

It is found that students who graduate with excessive debt are about 10% more likely to say that it caused delays in major life events, such as buying a home, getting married, or having children.  The cost of higher education has surged more than it is expected. If Gen Z is to face the future, it needs to have an adequate education.

For Gen Z, something to be expected. They are more diverse and understanding than any other generation in history. 

Research has shown that the brains of Generation Z are structurally different than those of earlier generations. This has nothing to do with genetics and everything to do with how they use their brains to respond to events in the environment. Many sources say that Gen Z is good at “multitasking,” but the human brain has a limited ability to do that. A better term is “task switch,” and while this generation is better at this than previous generations, there is a price to pay. What they are actually doing is adaptive reflexes—faster switching and more active working memories. 

They are already offering suggestions, solving problems, and proving they are savvy, demonstrating how prepared they are for stressful and uncertain times. 

In fact, they respond more positively to marketing efforts and they are the most connected, educated and sophisticated generation in history. Having grown up amid major innovation and social change, Zs are inquisitive and globally aware. 

Gen Z made sure they gave their support to any situation. Youth adapted to problematic situations and found a solution. They matured faster because of the environment they were born in. Growing up with the internet, they were introduced to more possibilities and shown all sides of the world rather than what prior generations’ parents thought necessary to explain. They are more culturally developed than most think. 

They have been influenced beyond their years and have grown globally, socially, visually and technologically in a short time frame. They take note of everything going on around them; after seeing their parents lose jobs and their older siblings move back home, this generation will avoid debt. They will be diligent researchers, always considering what’s a good investment, and less likely to make impulse purchases.

Generation Z has been shaped by the recession and is prepared to fight hard to create a stable future for themselves. Since many members of Gen Z have not even entered elementary school yet, it is impossible to draw definitive conclusions about what their habits, lifestyles, and worldviews will be. 

For a group that is generally globally minded, socially conscious and openly engaged, such a reality wrecks one's ability to imagine a more blissful future. Authenticity and transparency are two ideals that they value highly. Compared to any generation that has come before, they are less trusting of brands. 

Also, with the internet, people can dig into what brands really stand for beyond the heavily photoshopped visions they try to project. Online reviews have made not-what-they-say-they-are products easy to spot.

When it comes to technology, gen Z tends to be savvy about their approach to consuming electronics, resisting the allure of snatching up the latest, priciest products when there is a constant stream of new, inexpensive options. “Technological innovation is no longer an exciting, celebrated thing, as much as it is an expectation,” says Sam Paschel, chief commercial officer of the headphone brand Skullcandy, which targets younger consumers (Segran)“.  Generation Z relates to technology as a tool, as opposed to an obsession.” Given their focus on financial security, it is not surprising that Generation Z is poised to be cutthroat when it comes to getting jobs and establishing careers. 

Jonah Stillman, a 17-year-old from Minneapolis who, with his father David, wrote GenZ@Work; a book about how his generation will fare as members of the workforce (Segran). The pair conducted two national studies of 4,000 teens about workplace attitudes and preferences. Generation Z is a very independent and competitive generation, having been taught by their parents that there are definitely winners and losers in life. But even though they see the workplace as a battlefield, they are inclusive and tolerant of difference. “While many businesses are touting friendly workplace cultures with flexible schedules and transparent salaries in order to lure talent, they may need to offer more career-focused perks instead for Gen Z” (Crouch). 

All of this means that in addition to educational institutions, marketers and social media managers must evolve if they are to capture the attention of Generation Z. These older generations label kids in Gen Z as easily distracted and uninterested.  Despite the opinions from the more experienced generations, Generation Z cannot be stereotyped this way. Gen Z is a generation full of hard workers, intellectuals, and diverse people, and are far from the one word that they are often correlated with lazy. 

Gen Z’s biggest struggle is stress from constant online comparison, mental health pressure, and fear about jobs, money, and the future. Growing up in a highly connected digital world has increased anxiety, burnout, and insecurity, though they are also more open about mental health and seeking help. 

The parents of Gen Z are X, and from the parenting tactics of X, Z has become a more lucrative and knowledgeable generation as a whole. Their defining moments are still occurring, but what has defined them has changed them for the better. Previous generations may have left problems behind, but Gen Z is prepared to take it on confidently. This generation wants to make a difference, and they know they can do it. Although many doubt them, they are undeterred. They value equality in all forms: education, politics, gender, mental health, race, religion and identity.