Anytime a new generation grows up and makes its mark on the world, it’s worth taking notice. However, the generation that’s currently coming of age Generation Z seems destined to make an especially significant contribution.
They’ve already shown us how they’re influencing politics, popular culture, and commerce in ways that are likely to change the world in a multitude of ways for years and decades to come. So who is Generation Z? How do you identify them?
What makes them unique compared with other generations? What sort of impact can we expect from them in the future?
And what roles will they play in today’s society as members of Generation Z become adults who must lead businesses and communities and someday run for office?
To answer those questions, let’s take a look at “Gen-Zers,” their backgrounds, their thoughts on life so far, and what might be expected from them in the future.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Generation Z is reshaping societal norms and challenging traditional paradigms with their unique perspectives and actions. |
| 2. Their approach to work emphasizes flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance, signaling significant shifts in the future of employment. |
| 3. Technology plays a central role in shaping Gen Z’s worldview, influencing how they communicate, gather information, and engage with society. |
| 4. Generation Z is actively driving social and environmental change through their participation in activism and advocacy efforts. |
| 5. Despite their potential, Gen Z faces various challenges, such as economic uncertainty and mental health concerns, warranting support and understanding from society. |
They Are The Most Racially Diverse
They are the most racially diverse generation. According to the Census Bureau, Generation Z has a larger share of non-white children than any other generation in American history.
They are more open-minded. More than any other generation, they have grown up in an environment where they see people of different races, cultures, and religions all around them.
This makes them more tolerant and accepting of those differences so much so that they’re even more likely to be friends with someone different from them!
They support diversity in their relationships. Since many Gen Zers grew up with diverse classmates, teachers, and neighbors during their childhoods (thanks partly to immigration), it’s no surprise that this generation is breaking barriers when it comes to interracial relationships:
According to Pew Research Center data from 2016, Gen Zers were nearly twice as likely as millennials (those born between 1981–1997).
Or baby boomers (those born between 1946–1964) to say that “marrying outside my racial or ethnic group” would be important when choosing a spouse someday
The rise of Generation Z is reshaping society and challenging traditional norms. From their innovative approach to work to their unique perspectives on social issues, Generation Z is playing by their own rules. Discover how this generation is transforming the world in our insightful article on Generation Z’s impact.
They Want To Be Entrepreneurs
Generation Z is the most entrepreneurial generation in history. They’re more likely to start their own business than any other generation, and they’re better at it.
According to a recent study conducted by Goldman Sachs, millennials have started fewer businesses than previous generations did at the same age. But Gen Z? They’re crushing it.
The reason for this is simple: Millennials and Generation Z have grown up with access to technology that was previously unavailable or unattainable by their parent’s generation.
As a result, they’ve learned how to use it early on and they’ve developed an affinity for entrepreneurship thanks to its accessibility online.
Members of Generation Z are also likely to be self-employed more often than members of previous generations were at similar ages;
According to one survey conducted by SAS Analytics, 56 percent of Gen Zers said they’d consider starting their own company someday (compared with only 25 percent of Baby Boomers).
They Care About Social Justice Issues
You can see the impact of Gen Z’s activism in the numbers. Between 2017 and 2018.
The number of teens who said they were “very concerned” about a variety of issues including gun violence, climate change, and racial discrimination nearly doubled from 64 percent to 112 percent.
They are also more likely to volunteer for their community (20 percent) than their Baby Boomer parents (13 percent), according to a study by CIRCLE.
And if you thought that’s all Millennials are good for donating small amounts on Facebook or Instagram think again: Gen Z donated more money than any other age group last year ($1.2 billion).
As far as social justice goes, this generation is not just aware; they’re active in creating change through protests like March For Our Lives and Walk-Out Day 2020, which saw over 2 million students participate nationwide.
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They’re Natural Helpers
Generation Z is more likely to volunteer, donate, and help others in need.
They’re more likely to give blood. In the US, blood donations reached an all-time high in 2016. Among donors aged 16-20 years old, almost a third were members of Generation Z.
They’re more likely to donate money or other forms of support for charity through fundraising campaigns like GoFundMe (where 69%of users are under 35 years old).
Also known as peer-to-peer fundraising platforms on which people can raise money from friends and family members at little or no cost themselves).
These sites allow users to choose any cause they care about and share their stories with potential donors online through social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
They Are Smarter Than Their Predecessors
Generation Z is not just more tech-savvy than previous generations they are also more educated.
According to a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center, Gen Zers are more likely than Millennials or Baby Boomers (the current and previous generations, respectively) to have at least some college education.
This trend will likely continue as enrollments in higher education institutions increase across the country, including in fields that may not have been as popular in previous decades, such as nursing and health sciences.
We can see this change in higher education reflected in our practices here at #TechSoupSF!
We’ve seen an uptick over time in our student population: from one student enrolled five years ago who was working on their undergrad degree program through us to another just joining us this past year who’s pursuing her master’s degree through UC Berkeley Extension.
Silicon Valley Campus’ Continuing Education Program…and we’re looking forward to having even more students taking advantage of all that #TechSoupSF has to offer next semester!
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They Want To Change The World
You’re probably wondering how this generation is changing the world. It all comes down to one word: change. This generation wants to make a difference in their community, their family, and even on a global scale.
They want to improve the world around them in any way that they can without waiting for someone else to do it for them.
When you look at young people today with this mindset, there are many ways that we can help guide and support them through their journey of making a difference in society.
One way is by providing opportunities where they can volunteer and learn how they can make an impact on other people’s lives while gaining valuable skills along the way.
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Generation Z Is A Powerful Generation And They Will Change The World For The Better
You are a part of Generation Z and you have the power to change the world for the better!
It’s true! As a part of this generation, you have valuable new ideas and perspectives that can improve society in many ways.
If we take what we’ve learned as a society in recent years about the technology and how it can enable us to live more sustainable lives; about how important it is to be open-minded when it comes to different cultures, races, and religions;
About how important it is for people who don’t look like us or practice our religion not just to tolerate but accept us and combine those with our awesome talents at leveraging technology…
Well, then there’s no limit on what we can accomplish together as one human race united under one common goal: making life better for all living things on this planet while still respecting each other’s differences. I’m excited about what’s possible!
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Conclusion
Generation Z has a lot of power, and they are going to do amazing things with it in their lifetime.
They are also the most diverse generation we’ve ever had, which makes them more understanding toward others and ready to change the way we think about our world. I hope that you will be inspired by what this generation can do for us all!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on Generation Z and their impact on society:
On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far Short Description: A comprehensive research report by Pew Research Center highlighting key findings and insights into the characteristics and attitudes of Generation Z as they navigate their transition into adulthood.
How Gen Z Around the Globe Is Reshaping Societal Norms Short Description: An in-depth analysis by Ernst & Young exploring how Generation Z’s diverse perspectives and actions are reshaping societal norms and driving cultural change on a global scale.
How Will Gen Z Change the Future of Work Short Description: A thought-provoking article from Zurich Insurance Group delving into the potential ways Generation Z will influence the future of work, addressing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving job landscape.
FAQs
What are some defining characteristics of Generation Z?
Generation Z is often characterized as the cohort born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s. They are known for their digital fluency, multiculturalism, and emphasis on social and environmental issues.
How does Generation Z approach work and career choices?
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z values work-life balance, career flexibility, and opportunities for personal growth. They are also more inclined to seek purposeful and meaningful work experiences.
How is technology shaping Generation Z’s worldview?
Being digital natives, technology significantly influences how Generation Z consumes information, communicates, and perceives the world. Social media and online platforms play a vital role in shaping their opinions and attitudes.
How does Generation Z contribute to social change?
Generation Z is increasingly recognized for its activism and advocacy for various social and environmental causes. They actively participate in social movements and use their collective voices to drive change.
What challenges does Generation Z face in today’s world?
Generation Z faces unique challenges, including student loan debt, economic uncertainty, mental health concerns, and navigating a rapidly changing job market. Understanding and addressing these issues are crucial for supporting this generation’s well-being and success.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.