Growing up with social media, Generation Z’s internet algorithm is mostly being sensitive, lazy, babied and … hypersensitive.
Exhibit A: the Tiktok comment section—a diaspora of thoughts throughout the spectrum of belief.
Exhibit B: the collective criticism towards one’s bad internet commitment, either expressing an uncommon opinion or saying a slur uneducatedly—cancel culture.
Undeniably, we are responsible for questionable online behaviors like the cancel culture or the scarily impulsive thoughts. However, self-expression, inclusion, and emotional awareness do not mean weakness.
We’re not a sensitive generation; we are transforming the world.
In the dynamic arena of high-tech progress, Generation Z has grown amidst ongoing discussions about conflicts, spanning from environmental issues to social challenges. Witnessing global transformations firsthand, it becomes challenging to envision a future that doesn’t address these injustices.
Constantly bombarded with socio-political distress, global warming concerns, and the stormy world of pop culture and its problematic showbiz, Gen Z is confronted with questions about their role as the future stewards of the world.
So, how do we navigate the complexities of running this world?
Given the advent of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, Gen Z has found a stage to express themselves. However, amidst the coexistence with other generations and the internet replicating real-world dynamics, the pressure intensifies. It feels as though we are under constant surveillance, our words akin to bait for potential backlashes, triggering opposition.
Undeniably, we are an obnoxiously loud generation, but in the world of judgment and staggering criticism, we are being judged even from the cover to the end of the story.
Raised by the older generations, we were never taught about empathy. Thriving through many pandemics and wars, older generations made their way through conflict with resilience and strength but empathy—a quality that is often overlooked when coping with conflicts. When facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and enduring wars, our generation is anticipated to embody “strength” based on an outdated definition from decades past.
This world is constantly changing; we are constantly adapting differently.
“Don’t tell them that they are being dramatic; they will cancel you.” TikTok marketing expert and a Gen Z himself, Tim Collins, described Generation Z as snowflakes, a derogatory term coined to belittle our reaction as weak, emotionally overt, and self-centered. It is also coined in ignorance, demeaning self-awareness, social awareness, and criticizing the representation of oneself on social media platforms, where its sole purpose is such.
In fact, Generation Z, with a unique social momentum, is redefining the structures that no longer serve society nor push it forward to excellence.
We recognize the unjust discrimination that exists within gender, race, mental health, neurodivergent spectrum, body, etc. We recognize the lack of empathy that is embedded in the systematic prejudice. We recognize that insufferable statements and slurs have been casually used as weapons to target specific groups of people on social media. And we carry this legacy into the real world as well.
We are activists and innovators.
Our generation has dedicated our careers to addressing injustices that have sprouted from the damages caused by older generations. We integrate the art of understanding into every field of interest, allowing our creativity to spark pathways for social change and advocacy. In doing so, we create space for inclusivity and diversity, recognizing the inevitability of human identity.
In a study conducted by Ernst & Young Global Limited, 85% of Gen Z respondents agree racism is a significant issue, and a further 23% ranked it as their top issue; 36% of Gen Z respondents participated in a political rally or protest or signed a petition for a cause they agree with a 9% increase from before the pandemic.
With access to a 24/7 news buffet, Generation Z is growing up amid reported injustices that influence their view of the world. In fact, our news consumption differs from that of older generations, impacting our interaction with the media today. We are consistently exposed to the challenges of societal injustices and crises, often leaving us with no choice but to care, given their direct impact on our existence.
We are taking action to seek tangible changes in their society concerning the three key pillars: safety, care for others, and unity.
As much impact news has on shaping the mindsets of young generations, Generation Z is, in fact, digital natives regarding activism. We, most literally, speak the language of media, specifically social media.
Unlike the older generation’s youth activism, we are more proactive in speaking up and projecting our voices using the accessibility of social media. With the widely accessible source of inspiration and information, we creatively utilized the internet to express our civic identity and easily connect with activists of the same engagement, building a vast network of influence that shifts the momentum of social change.
Yes, Gen Z stands at the intersection of criticism and innovation, navigating a complex world shaped by social media and ever-evolving societal expectations.
But as we continue to redefine the structures that no longer serve our society, one cannot help but wonder: Are our unique perspectives and activism laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and empathetic future? How will the judgments we face today shape the narratives of tomorrow?
In a world where change is constant, perhaps the real question is not whether we are weak or strong, sensitive or innovative, but rather how Generation Z’s relentless pursuit of justice and change will leave an indelible mark on the world we inherit.