Where Gen Z is Heading
- Rasya Ramakrishnan
- Jan 7, 2022
- 2 min read
We started off wearing neon clothes, trading Silly Bandz, making Rainbow Loom bracelets, and taking care of our Webkinz. As we grew up, we started to become activists that fight for our beliefs, we’re socially aware from a young age, and we’re the first generation in history to grow up with modern social media.
Now that the oldest millennial is 40 years old, Gen Z has risen to prominence.
The coronavirus pandemic, Black Lives Matter movement, mass shootings in numerous cities and high schools, 9/11 attacks, Iraq War, and 2008 economic recession are just a few notable events that have occurred within our generation.
However, as a Gen Z teenager who has been introduced to current events over the past two years, I believe I have been forced to mature at a far faster rate than a typical adolescent. I was 12 when the lockdowns began , and I spent my 13th birthday unable to leave the house. I am now about to turn 15, and I am still reeling from the events that have occured over the past few years.
Of course, with current events comes news sources. While being locked up at home, I was forced to listen to the news in order to gain information. Everything I heard -regardless of which end of the political spectrum I was listened to- was completely opinionated. According to studies, Gen Zers have lost 14.67% of their trust in the government, news sources, and the criminal justice system. This is due to the tumultuous 2020 election, COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement, and a slew of other events that have occurred in recent years.
However, with this pessimistic outlook comes a desire to solve the challenges we face. For example, 78% of Gen Zers have taken some form of action in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, whether that be through social media, protests, or self-education. Furthermore, Gen Z is recognized for being career-oriented, seeking professions that fulfill them as individuals in a variety of ways. Research shows that 63% of Gen Zers have a primary life goal of being able to pursue hobbies alongside their career and home lives.
So, what can we expect from our generation?
Gen Z is a period marked by growth in both the economy and diversity in general. We anticipate a surge in social justice movements, increased use of social media channels, and more educated people, both academically and socially.
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My personal desire to distance myself from the political world was what caused me to be a part of the Delphi. I strongly encourage all of you to put yourselves out there and speak up if something isn't right.
After all, our generation rules the world for the next 30 years.
To learn more about how to make a difference, feel free to fill out our Guest Contributer form so that your voice can be heard!
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