ALL ABOUT GEN-Z
People born between 1995 and 2009 are called Generation Z (Gen-Z). They grew up in a digital world and viewed digital technologies as fundamental to their lives. Gen-Z belongs to a larger social media user population conceptualized as digital natives. Being born and raised in the digitally dominant era, they like to be surrounded by computers, video games, smartphones, and every possible gadget of the digital age.
SIX GENERATIONS:
Sociologists have studied six generational trends in the last 100 years, namely:
- Traditionalists (1925 - 1945)
- Baby Boomers (1946 - 1964)
- Generation X (1965 - 1979)
- Millennials (1980 - 1994)
- Generation Z (1995 - 2009)
- Generation Alpha (2010 - 2024)
People from each generation possess unique characteristics due to their upbringing (e.g., economic, social, and cultural conditions), which affect their perception of life.
TRAITS OF GENERATION-Z:
● INSTANT GRATIFICATION:
Generation Z is renowned for its desire for instant results. Their need for immediate gratification permeates every aspect of their lives, including their consumption and employment patterns. Whether it's prompt email responses, instant access to information via search engines, or quick online purchase delivery, Gen Z demands quick results and feedback and readily suffers from the fear of missing out (F.O.M.O). Instead of waiting for long-term results, they are drawn to jobs that provide sudden impact and allow them to witness the results of their labor immediately.
● CONSTANT CONNECTIVITY:
Often called "digital natives," Generation Z has grown up surrounded by ever-growing technology in social media, smartphones, and constant connectivity. They readily embrace new platforms and technologies and are incredibly tech-savvy because they have had access to the Internet and websites like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat at a young age. A 2023 study reveals how Gen Z prefers keeping digital health records and is influencing the older generations to adopt a more digitized system.
● ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
Generation Z is financially conscious because they grew up in an unstable economic environment. They value saving money, aim for financial independence, and frequently engage in side projects and business endeavors. In addition to being financially conscious, they have a broader, more inclusive worldview and are more self-aware and ethically motivated in their consumption.
● GENUINE SELF-EXPRESSION :
Gen-Z embraces individual identities and flexible views on gender and sexual orientation, rejecting conventional norms like pleasing people. They look for niche communities and subcultures that share their values, celebrate diversity, and demand that brands uphold these principles. This generation holds companies responsible for their ethical and ecological practices and is enthusiastic about a healthy mind and body. They hardly feel any shame in seeking support from mental health professionals and are eager to figure out how to manage their everyday stress and anxiety. The sense of inclusivity makes it easier for them to open up about the difficulties in life and be more vocal.
● SOCIAL JUSTICE & SUSTAINABILITY:
Global issues like political unrest, economic crises, and climate crises have influenced Generation Z and made them more socially and environmentally responsible and mindful. Having grown up in a globalized world, they are adaptive and conscious of global issues and support social justice, sustainability, and resilience. They look for brands that share their beliefs and hold businesses responsible for their effects on the environment and ethics.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
A growing body of research has shown that younger generations differ significantly from their predecessors in terms of technology-related perceptions, motivations, and behaviors, even though the rationality of digital natives is still up for debate.
Today's labor market consists of different generations, and shortly, most will include Generation Z. In this respect, it is essential to know Generation Z's perspective, which will take its place in leadership positions in organizations. The study indicates that Generation Z leaders carry out their intra-organizational communication with the sub-themes of being supportive, empathetic, and egoless and managing with love and respect.
Generation Z attaches great importance to work and work-life balance and expects a pleasant environment at work. They are comfortable with pet-friendly environments at home and workplaces. Generation Z is shaped by their reliance on technology, instant gratification, and individualism, with a strong sense of environmental responsibility. However, they face challenges like attention deficit, impatience, and toxic peer pressure, cyberbullying, often leading to anxiety and depression. Although they may seem materialistic or entitled, they are self-directed and insist on being emotionally intelligent. Gen Z's exposure to digital media has made them aware of the opportunities for empowerment at a young age. Their perspective on consumption and social interaction reflects a blend of global awareness and commitment to positive change.
RESOURCES:
1. Hu Q, Hu X, Hou P. One Social Media, Distinct Habitus: Generation Z's Social Media Uses and Gratifications and the Moderation Effect of Economic Capital. Front Psychol. 2022 Jul 13;13:939128. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.939128. PMID: 35910944; PMCID: PMC9328075.
2. Shorey S, Chan V, Rajendran P, Ang E. Learning styles, preferences and needs of generation Z healthcare students: Scoping review. Nurse Educ Pract. 2021 Nov;57:103247. doi: 10.1016/j.nepr.2021.103247. Epub 2021 Oct 26. PMID: 34768214.
3. Benítez-Márquez MD, Sánchez-Teba EM, Bermúdez-González G, Núñez-Rydman ES. Generation Z Within the Workforce and in the Workplace: A Bibliometric Analysis. Front Psychol. 2022 Feb 1;12:736820. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.736820. PMID: 35178005; PMCID: PMC8844017.
4.https://www.researchgate.net/profile/JianguanglungDangmei/publication/305280948_UNDERSTANDING_THE_GENERATION_Z_THE_FUTURE_WORKFORCE/links/5786a11008aef321de2c6f21/UNDERSTANDING-THE-GENERATION-Z-THE-FUTURE-WORKFORCE.pdf
Written by:
Hooria Jannat Javed,
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS
On December 20, 2024
