Ocampo: Generational experiences define Gen Z unlike any other (2024)

Aidan Ocampo, Columnist
February 22, 2021

Born between the years of 1997-2012, Generation Z has seen it all. Our childhoods have been defined by unique experiences such as a global pandemic, 9/11, numerous school shootings, and the most viable threat to our democracy in history, a Trump Presidency. Despite the challenges, Gen Z has prevailed as the most educated, diverse, and funniest generation yet.

Many of these traits can be attributed to the increasingly influential role technology has played in our lives. Unfortunately, our dependence on technology has led Gen Z to feel lonelier than any other generation. This is the result of our false impression that being connected on social media qualifies as human connection. When alone, even for short periods of time, members of Gen Z tend to glue their face to a screen to replicate the presence of another person. Our attention still belongs to our devices when we are with each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if one day we replace our peers with an iFriend X Pro with Retina Display (or maybe we already have).

Despite this “loneliness epidemic,” some consider Gen Z to be the funniest generation. As teens, we mourned the loss of Vine, a staple in the content creation community. Now, though many of us are adults, we still enjoy the comfort and distraction that TikTok offers us. Social media platforms like Tiktok, Vine and YouTube have allowed us to develop an absurd sense of humor where we can laugh at the collective trauma we have endured as a generation.

Though the more contrarian individuals in Gen Z would disagree, there is something to be said for us all enjoying the same online content. Somehow, the same generation that engaged America in a confrontation of its systemic inequities also gave 54 million likes to a photo of an egg on Instagram.

Only our generation has the ability to utilize these large-scale platforms. Whether it’s creating historic societal change, or breaking world records for most-liked photos on Instagram, Gen Z has mastered the unique ability to capture an audience of this magnitude.

Gen Z is also the smartest and best educated generation. Having an unlimited wealth of information at our disposal has not gone to waste. In America, 57 percent of Gen Z is reported to have enrolled in a two-year or four-year college, compared to 52 percent of Millenials and 43 percent of Gen X. Gen Z will be equipped and educated to enter the world in just a few years.

Compared to past generations, Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation yet. In America, minorities make up almost half of Gen Z, in contrast to just 39 percent of Millennials. This unprecedented diversity of perspective and backgrounds empowers us to promote a society more equitable than ever before.

The unique traits of Gen Z also make us the best generation to confront an inevitable future of unprecedented global issues. Already, the Climate Crisis is provoking historic environmental damage that is only to worsen in the future. Past generations have left us the responsibility to innovate, collaborate, and implement solutions to these global threats. Although our parents and grandparents produced these conditions, it’s our duty to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.

If you’re a part of Gen Z and you’re reading this, I hope you recognize the potential we have as a generation, and we’re not even 30 yet! And boomers, sit back and enjoy the show. As Kimberly Guilfoyle best said it, “The best… is yet… to come!”

Aidan Ocampo is a Weinberg freshman. He can be contacted at [emailprotected]. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to [emailprotected]. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

Ocampo: Generational experiences define Gen Z unlike any other (2024)

FAQs

Ocampo: Generational experiences define Gen Z unlike any other? ›

Ocampo: Generational experiences define Gen Z unlike any other. Born between the years of 1997-2012, Generation Z has seen it all. Our childhoods have been defined by unique experiences such as a global pandemic, 9/11, numerous school shootings, and the most viable threat to our democracy in history, a Trump Presidency ...

What makes Gen Z different from other generations? ›

Gen Z (or Generation Z) grew up with rapid digital changes. As teens, Gen Zers experienced the boom of smartphones, wearables, and virtual assistants, among other disruptive tech. This immersion makes them open to integrating new technology into their lives. Gen Z is already using AI in their daily lives.

What is the generational theory of Gen Z? ›

According to Howe's and Strauss's generational theory, Gen Z is Hero generation located in the Fourth Turning Crisis of the Millennial Saeculum, the lineage of which began in the U.S. with the American High (First Turning, 1946-1964), transitioned to the Consciousness Revolution of the late 1960s and the Culture Wars ...

How is Gen Z education compared to other generations? ›

Highly educated

Generation Z students are on track to become the most educated generation. They have higher high school graduation rates and lower dropout rates than those who came before. In 2018, 57% of 18 to 21-year olds were in college, compared with 52% of Millennials, and 43% of Gen Xers at similar ages.

What defines as Gen Z? ›

Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the generation of Americans born from 1997 to 2012. The oldest members of Gen Z are starting their post-education years, with new careers and, possibly, families; the youngest are 12.

What are the biggest differences between Millennials and Gen Z? ›

Generation Z vs Millennials: Key Takeaways

Members of Gen Z are more concerned about the cost of education (21% of respondents), compared to Millennials (13% of respondents). Millennials value stability (34%), while Gen Z puts more of an emphasis on finding their dream job (32%).

How is Gen Z misunderstood by older generations? ›

Often taken as lazy, unappreciative and immature, many of Generation Z's fresh views and new lifestyles have been met with distaste and ignorance by older generations. These quips are often aimed at undermining the competence of our generation.

Why is Gen Z the strongest generation? ›

They want genuine actions that create work environments Gen Zs can thrive in. Those environments, as par for the course, are more diverse, more supportive, more challenging and less politically divisive. Gen Z's are more powerful than any other generation.

What is Gen Z suffering from? ›

Yet perhaps there is something different happening with gen Z. One in three 18- to 24-year-olds now report symptoms indicating they have experienced a common mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety disorder, compared with one in four in 2000.

What does Gen Z value most? ›

They are pragmatic and value direct communication, authenticity and relevance. They also value self-care. They may be more likely than older people were when they were the age of the Gen Zers to question rules and authority because they are so used to finding what they need on their own.

What is the difference between Gen Z and millennials mindset? ›

Financial security: Generation Z is more financially aware than millennials and is likely to prioritize job security and benefits over salary. Entrepreneurial mindset: Generation Z is more likely to have an entrepreneurial mindset and may be more interested in starting their own business or working independently.

Does Gen Z experience more anxiety than other generations? ›

This incidence of negative emotions is particularly high among Gen Z, which reports rates of anxiety, stress, sadness and loneliness at least seven percentage points higher than those of millennials, Gen X, baby boomers and the Silent Generation.”

What can Gen Z teach other generations? ›

Here are some specific things Gen Z can teach other generations:
  • Entrepreneurial spirit. ...
  • Collaboration and teamwork. ...
  • Social and environmental responsibility. ...
  • Work-life balance. ...
  • Openness to change. ...
  • Embrace technology. ...
  • Continuous learning.
Nov 5, 2023

What is Gen Z simplified? ›

The Oxford Dictionaries define Generation Z as "the group of people who were born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s, who are regarded as being very familiar with the internet." Encyclopedia Britannica defines Generation Z as "Americans born during the late 1990s and early 2000s."

How is Gen Z changing the world? ›

Generation Z, or "Gen Zers," are known for having a strong sense of social justice and promoting diversity in all areas of society. They use their voices and platforms, such as social media and online communities, to advocate for marginalized communities and push for change.

What is the mentality of Gen Z? ›

Gen-Z cares about following their passions, caring for the earth and demanding social and environmental justice from high-level decision-makers. As a result, they're more vocal, values-driven and individualized than generations that came before them.

What separates Gen Z from Gen Alpha? ›

While Gen Z has laid the groundwork for digital innovation and social reform, entering the workforce with a blend of realism and digital fluency, Gen Alpha is poised to take the baton, born into a world where technology is as natural as breathing.

Why is Gen Z the smartest generation? ›

Gen Z has honed the skill of sifting through vast amounts of data, fostering a culture of self-education and critical thinking. This ability to quickly access and evaluate information may contribute to the perception of increased intelligence.

What distinguishes Gen Y from Gen Z? ›

Next comes Generation Y (more commonly known as Millennials), born between roughly 1981 and 1994. The youngest generation in today's workforce is Gen Z, meaning Generation Z, who were born between 1995 and 2009.

What behavior patterns does Gen Z display? ›

In general, Gen Z'ers display the following consumer behavior: They tend to be 'informed consumers', and will often research and weigh up options before making a buying decision. They tend to be much less attached to specific brands, instead preferring to shop around for the best deal.

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