Gen Z success is rooted in every previous Human generation.
Gen Z is likely the most prolific and self-aware generation in recorded history.
Generation Z is not just living through history, they are making it.
Antonio Prince
May 2024
Redefining Generation Z: Insights from a Father's Perspective
The inspiration for this short essay on Generation Z stems from personal observations that contrast sharply with prevailing narratives about this group.
My daughter Ambar, born in 2007, falls into the later segment of Generation Z. Over the past few years, I've noticed a significant disconnect between the generalized portrayal of Generation Z's behavior and desires, and the realities I've witnessed when interacting with Ambar and her friends. This disparity between common perceptions and firsthand experiences prompted me to explore and write about Generation Z more deeply. This essay is a personal journey influenced by my daughter, Ambar, who has been a key inspiration in pursuing this topic.
I include a robust reference list to support what otherwise would create an unnecessary debate instead of converge towards working together with this great fresh and amazing segment of our World Society.
Generation Z in numbers
Commonly referred to as Gen Z, encompasses individuals born roughly between 1997 and 2012. Known as digital natives, this generation has been raised with profound access to the internet and advanced technologies from an early age. They are adept at technology, possess strong multitasking skills, and are highly adaptable to technological changes.
Here are 15 worldwide statistics on Generation Z, each with a brief explanation of their Global impact (more in references at the end of this essay):
Global Population: Gen Z makes up about 30% of the world population, significantly shaping global demographics.
Education Enrollment: 60% of Gen Z globally are in higher education, potentially leading to a more skilled workforce.
Workforce by 2025: Gen Z will account for 27% of the global workforce, influencing work culture and technology adoption.
Annual Spending Power: $360 billion in spending power, -and rapidly growing-, places Gen Z as a major consumer force in the global economy.
Digital Natives: 98% have smartphone access, driving trends in mobile technology and digital marketing.
Health and Fitness Focus: 75% engage regularly in sports or fitness, influencing health and wellness industries. Highest engagement compared with previous generations.
Mental Health Highlight: 54% report high stress, lower than previous generations report today, with a relevant impact on health services and workplace wellness programs.
Climate Change Concern: 72% are responsibly concerned about climate, influencing environmental policies and corporate sustainability efforts.
Political Activism: 30% have responsibly participated in protests, highlighting their role in political and social movements.
Online Shopping Preference: 73% prefer online shopping, shaping the future of retail and e-commerce.
Tech Innovation Adoption: 85% use at least one form of new payment technology like mobile payments, affecting financial services.
Media Consumption: Over 10 hours per day on various digital platforms, driving content creation and media strategies.
Social Media Influence: 70% trust influencers over traditional celebrities for purchase decisions, shifting marketing strategies.
Cultural Diversity: In the U.S., 48% are non-white, indicative of global diversity trends impacting societal norms.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: 62% prefer to start their own business rather than pursuing traditional career paths, boosting innovation and challenging economic models.
These statistics illustrate how Gen Z's characteristics and behaviors are having a profound impact on most global industries and societal activities, from technology and media to politics and the economy.
During my “research” of this subject (see references), I came to find an author who has extensively written about the intergenerational differences, including the criticism older generations often have for younger ones, Jean M. Twenge. She is a psychologist known for her research on generational differences, particularly involving the millennial generation and Gen Z. Her book "Generation Me" is particularly relevant, as it discusses how baby boomers and other older generations perceive younger people as more entitled, narcissistic, and less disciplined compared to how they were at the same age.
Twenge summarizes the criticism on Gen Z on six traits:
1. Self-Centeredness: Older generations often label younger people as self-centered or self-absorbed. This is based on observations that younger individuals prioritize personal fulfillment and self-expression more than previous generations did at the same age.
2. High Expectations: Younger generations are perceived as having unrealistically high expectations for their lives, careers, and experiences. They are often seen as wanting quick success without the requisite hard work or patience that older generations deem necessary.
3. Technology Dependence: There is a widespread belief among older generations that younger people are overly dependent on technology, particularly smartphones and social media. This dependence is often criticized for impairing real social skills and deep thinking.
4. Poor Work Ethic: Millennials and Generation Z are often accused of having a poor work ethic compared to baby boomers and Generation X. This includes a desire for flexible work schedules, a focus on work-life balance, and a perceived reluctance to stay long hours at work.
5. Lack of Resilience: Older generations criticize younger people for lacking resilience and being too sensitive, particularly in facing criticism or hardship. This is often discussed in the context of needing "safe spaces" and the use of "trigger warnings" in educational and social settings.
6. Entitlement: As mentioned earlier, there is a perception that younger generations feel entitled to certain privileges or outcomes without having earned them. This includes expectations of high salaries, rapid promotions, and special considerations in the workplace.
One of my objectives in this essay is to support Twenge´s confidence that "perception is everything". We will confirm the common traits that previous generations including those from each of the readers share with this outstanding Gen Z.
We will now explore what we've learned from history, examine the scientific explanations behind these insights, and integrate both to support our thesis: Gen Z is likely the most prolific and self-aware generation in recorded history.
What we have learned from History.
Going deeper in these perceived differences, we find that similar criticism was common in ancient times. This is a summary of what I´ve found:
Throughout history, the tension between older and younger generations has been a recurring theme, with the older often expressing concerns or criticisms about the younger. Here are ten examples that highlight this generational dynamic, spanning from ancient times to the present:
1. Ancient Greece (circa 400 BC) - Socrates reportedly lamented that the youth "have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise." This reflection of the perceived decline in youth behavior is recorded in various secondary sources discussing Greek philosophy.
2. Roman Era (1st century BC) - Horace criticized the Roman youth of his time in his writings, noting their "decadence and the moral decay compared to the stoic virtues of their forebears". His concerns are documented in his poetic works.
3. Middle Ages (circa 1274) - Thomas Aquinas commented on the "moral and intellectual deficiencies" he perceived in the youth of his era, arguing in his theological treatises that young people were driven by passions rather than reason.
4. Renaissance (15th century) - Erasmus of Rotterdam, in his various writings, expressed concerns about the education of the young, fearing "they were not receiving the rigorous moral and intellectual training necessary for maintaining societal values".
5. Enlightenment (18th century) - Immanuel Kant observed a "lack of discipline and reverence among the youth", critiquing their readiness to question traditional authorities and norms in his anthropological and philosophical essays.
6. Industrial Revolution (19th century) - The rapid societal changes brought about by industrialization led many, including cultural critics like Matthew Arnold, to decry "the loss of morality and robustness among urban youth, contrasting them unfavorably with their rural counterparts".
7. Early 20th century (1920s) - F. Scott Fitzgerald in his novels and essays depicted young people, particularly those of the "Lost Generation", as disillusioned with the American dream, highlighting a generational gap in values and aspirations after World War I.
8. Post-World War II (1950s) - Sociologists like David Riesman criticized the conformity and lack of individuality among the young, fearing that corporate consumer culture had unduly influenced the so-called "Silent Generation".
9. Late 20th century (1970s-1980s) - Critics like Allan Bloom in "The Closing of the American Mind" (1987) argued that the educational system had failed the youth, leaving them morally adrift and intellectually shallow.
10. Early 21st century (2000s-present) - Numerous commentators have discussed the challenges facing Millennials and Gen Z, including Jean M. Twenge (see above), who explores how digital technology impacts these younger generations in her book "iGen" (2017), often emphasizing negative traits or outcomes.
(At the end of this essay, I am sharing the references for this information).
The above characteristics perceived by older generations about newer ones, could be summarized into three broad categories:
1. Narcissism: Older generations often perceive younger generations as more narcissistic and self-focused.
2. Entitlement: Younger generations are frequently seen as having a sense of entitlement, expecting certain privileges or recognitions without the corresponding achievements or efforts that were expected in earlier generations.
3. Lack of Respect for Authority: There is a perceived decline in respect for traditional forms of authority and hierarchy among younger generations. This includes a more questioning attitude towards societal norms and structures, which is often viewed negatively by those from older generations who were raised under stricter conformities.
Exploring the Apparent Dichotomy Between Older and Newer Generations
I would like to share with you five non-conflicting theories - hypothesis that could be ranked-integrated to better understand this this recurrent trend both in time and theme across societies and epoch.
If I have to pick up one, I would go for the first one of this list, "Evolutionary psychology", that also helps to introduce and include the other four, as part of the "Cultural anthropology", and "Sociological" perspectives:
1. Evolutionary Psychology Perspective: From an evolutionary standpoint, older individuals often play the role of conservators of culture, knowledge, and resources within a community. Their criticism of younger generations can be viewed as a mechanism to ensure the stability and continuity of successful survival strategies that have been tried and tested over time. This conservative approach conflicts with the younger generation's evolutionary drive toward innovation and adaptability, which is essential for coping with changing environments and new challenges. Thus, the tension arises as a positive natural dynamic where the push from the young for change meets the pull from the old for tradition, resulting in the better tidal - societal adapting to changes on environment.
2. Social Role Theory: This theory posits that societies assign different roles to individuals based on age, with expectations and responsibilities that may differ significantly. Older generations are often expected to be leaders, mentors, and the preservers of tradition, whereas younger generations are expected to learn, adapt, and eventually innovate. Disagreements can occur when these roles are challenged or when the expectations from one group are not met by the other.
3. Resource Competition Theory: In terms of resource allocation, older and younger generations might compete for the same resources (e.g., jobs, economic opportunities, political power). Older generations might view the ambitions and different approaches of the younger generations as a threat to their own security and established control over these resources, leading to tension.
4. Cultural Lag: Sociologist William F. Ogburn's concept of cultural lag explains how material culture (technology, economic arrangements) can change rapidly, while non-material culture (beliefs, laws, customs) tends to adjust more slowly. Younger generations, who are typically more exposed to and adept at new technologies and ideas, often adapt quickly to material changes, whereas older generations may hold onto outdated beliefs or practices, leading to a perceived gap and resultant tension.
5. Psychosocial Development: Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development suggest that each stage of life comes with specific challenges and goals. Conflicts between generations can often be traced back to these differing developmental priorities—for instance, the young may focus on identity exploration, while the older might be concerned with legacy and productivity. Misunderstandings or lack of appreciation for these differing priorities can fuel generational tensions.
The transmission of knowledge and cultural values across generations is crucial for societal continuity and evolution. This transmission occurs through education, family upbringing, mentorship, and through the culture at large, encompassing literature, media, and the arts.
Each generation grows up with a certain "zeitgeist" or spirit of the time, influenced by the prevailing ideas, challenges, and technologies of their era. While they inherit problems and limitations from the past, they also inherit tools, philosophies, and infrastructures that they can use to forge solutions.
Cultural Technologies: The Foundations of Our Societies
Our task now is to explore generational interactions by merging insights from historical learning with an examination of the differences between older and newer generations.
When comparing population growth in mammals and other species, we observe clear limits set by intra-group conflicts and competition for resources like food. In contrast, most human societies, especially since the Renaissance, have shown remarkable stability despite rapid population increases. This stability, often exceeding the rate of conflicts among individuals, along with consistent social and technological progress across civilizations, underscores the idea that each new generation builds upon the knowledge and experiences of those before it.
Our Societies are built under Cultural Technologies.
Language, Social structure, Religion, Money, Rule of Law, Ethics, Moral and many, many other cultural technologies are the support of the historical progression of human civilizations, from the Ancient Greeks to the present day. This concept can be encapsulated in the metaphor often attributed to Isaac Newton: "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." This metaphor beautifully illustrates how each generation leverages the accumulated wisdom and advancements of their predecessors to achieve further progress.
Let´s revisit the Historical Perspective.
1. Ancient Greek Contributions: The Ancient Greeks laid foundational work in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and political theory, which were essential for subsequent intellectual revolutions. For instance, their ideas in democratic governance and philosophical inquiry influenced Enlightenment thinkers and modern political ideologies.
2. Renaissance and Enlightenment: During these periods, there was a revival of classical knowledge mixed with new discoveries in science and art. Innovators during the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo, built upon the works of ancient scholars but also used their findings to challenge and expand beyond classical ideas. The Enlightenment further pushed these boundaries by emphasizing reason, scientific method, and humanism, paving the way for modern scientific and political thought.
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3. Industrial and Technological Revolutions: These periods demonstrated how technological advancements could dramatically reshape societies. Innovations such as the steam engine, electricity, and later the computer were not sudden creations but were built on years of scientific and industrial groundwork laid by earlier generations.
4. Modern Information Age: Today, we continue to build on past technologies and theories. The internet, for example, was developed from foundational work in computing and telecommunications. Each technological advance provides tools that the next generation uses to solve old problems or explore new frontiers.
Youthful Dynamics: The Integral Role of Gen Z in Shaping Tomorrow
I am including in the references, two articles from the April 20th-26th 2024 edition of The Economist magazine, these give us a deeper and updated analysis on Generation Z, with focus on their economic conditions, employment prospects, and societal impacts:
1. Economic Conditions and Opportunities (Fig 1):
·Generation Z is in a better financial position compared to previous generations at the same age, including Millennials and Baby Boomers. This assertion is based on their access to new technologies and global markets, which provide more opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship.
·The impact of the global expansion of technology is particularly significant for Gen Z in emerging economies. Access to digital platforms not only offers new job prospects but also educational resources that were previously inaccessible, contributing to a more economically empowered generation.
Fig 1.
2. Employment and Skill Development. (Fig 2):
·Despite the global economic challenges, such as those presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Z has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. This generation is acquiring marketable skills at a faster pace, which aligns with the shifting demands of the modern workplace.
·The rise in remote work and the digital economy has allowed Gen Z to leverage their technological savvy to secure jobs that were once geographically out of reach, enhancing their employment prospects significantly.
Fig 2.
3. Societal Impact and Expectations:
·Gen Z's attitudes towards social and environmental issues are shaping how businesses and governments respond to the demands for more sustainable and equitable practices. Their preference for authenticity and transparency is pushing brands to adapt or face the consequences of a more socially conscious consumer base.
·Additionally, their active involvement in social and political movements, often facilitated by social media, indicates that Gen Z is not just passively inheriting the world but actively shaping the societal agenda.
4. Cultural Shifts and Identity:
·Gen Z emphasizes their diversity and inclusivity. This generation tends to reject traditional labels and embraces a more fluid understanding of identity, which impacts cultural products, marketing strategies, and workplace dynamics.
·Their digital nativity influences not only their consumption patterns but also their interpersonal relationships and mental health, areas that are receiving increasing attention in discussions about the long-term impacts of a hyper-connected life.
As Gen Z comes of age, they bring with them not just the challenges of a rapidly evolving world but also the promise of significant progress. Gen Z is a diverse and influential cohort whose impact is felt from the bustling cities of the Americas and all other Continents. Despite prevalent concerns about their digital immersion and the resulting mental health implications, a closer look reveals a more encouraging scenario.
In emerging economies (including LATAM, Asia and Africa), Gen Z's reality is notably brighter than portrayed in the Developed Countries (The West). Economic growth and technological advancements have substantially improved their living standards compared to previous generations. They are healthier, better educated, and more connected, thanks to smartphones and the internet. This access to information and resources fosters a sense of optimism and empowerment among young people in these regions, contrasting with the more pessimistic views often found in wealthier nations.
Even in the West, where fears of economic stagnation linger, Gen Z is carving out a promising path for themselves. They are entering the workforce with valuable skills in science, engineering, and technology—fields that are in high demand. This has not only boosted their employment prospects but also allowed them to command higher wages than previous generations at the same age. Moreover, their financial acumen is evident as they manage to save more, despite facing higher costs of living.
Gen Z's influence extends beyond the economy. Their strong stances on issues like climate change are pushing societies and governments towards more sustainable practices. Their preference for a larger, more active government could redefine political landscapes as they reach voting age. Socially, they are more serious and health-conscious, often choosing to avoid the excesses of past generations.
While challenges persist—particularly in mental health, where increased openness about issues like anxiety and depression reveals both rising rates and a greater willingness to seek help—the narrative is not solely negative. The debate over social media's impact continues, but there's a growing awareness and adjustment among Gen Z regarding its use, suggesting a balance is being found.
In sum, Gen Z stands at the forefront of significant societal transformations. With their adaptability and innovative spirit, they are not just facing up to their challenges; they are setting the stage for a future that could well see them surpass the achievements of their predecessors. Celebrating their successes and resourcefulness, therefore, is not just warranted—it's essential.
What is screen time doing to children.
I could not finish this essay without mentioning the major findings and concerns currently being discussed on the impacts of screen time on children's cognitive development, social skills, and physical health.
In the digital age, the question of how screen time and digital media affects young minds and bodies. This is a multi-dimensional and complicated cause-effect exercise effects.
The real facts are that screen time is an integral part of modern childhood, there has not been any similar technology or attention driver in history. Its impacts are not straightforward and require nuanced understanding. There is yet lots of data to be acquired and curated to be able to find reliable conclusions.
Cognitive development is one of the primary concerns. I found little and limited direct causal evidence linking screen time with either deterioration or enhancement of cognitive capabilities in children. However, a different angle might be highlighted, related to concerns about the potential for distraction and reduced attention spans associated with excessive digital engagement. Importantly,
I personally believe that the type of content consumed do play a critical role, with educational and interactive media offering potential benefits, while passive consumption is more likely to have negative effects.
Social skills are another area of interest. Screen time can both aid and impair the development of these skills. On one hand, digital platforms can provide valuable social interactions and enhance communication skills. On the other, “excessive” screen time may replace face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing robust social skills. The context of media use, such as whether it is used socially or in isolation, significantly affects its impact.
Physical health concerns associated with screen time include risks associated with sedentarism, which have been with Humans ever since the Industrial Revolution dramatically increased the availability of calories while decreased the amount of physical activity that Humans exerted for 200,000 hears. Obesity, poor posture, circulatory and other illnesses, and overall reduced physical activity come as an extension to screen time already started with the personal computers in the ´80s and the TV back in the ´50s.
Looking Ahead: The Future Shaped by Gen Z
As I conclude this essay, my perspective on Gen Z, particularly individuals like Ambar and her peers, has grown increasingly optimistic.
This exploration into Gen Z has been enlightening, highlighting their unique position at the forefront of rapid cultural, technological, and social shifts. They are navigating monumental advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, blockchain and other digital assets, genetic engineering, environmental cleaning and improvement, and quantum computing, while also tackling challenges like global warming, fake news, conspiracy theories, digital misinformation and political instability.
Despite these challenges, the resilience and innovative spirit of Gen Z inspire hope. Their deep technological fluency and passion for change equip them uniquely to shape the future.
Observing Ambar and her peers, I am convinced that this generation is motivated to redefine life in a digitally driven world.
Their journey is just beginning, and supporting their potential is essential for all of us as we look toward a hopeful, exciting future.
Generation Z is not just living through history, they are making it.
Dedicated to my daughter Ambar Prince Bertolotto.
CDMX. May 2024.
References:
Ancient Greece (Socrates on youth): Kenneth J. Dover discusses Socrates' views in "Greek Popular Morality in the Time of Plato and Aristotle". https://www.jstor.org/stable/3062268
Roman Era (Horace on Roman youth): Horace's criticisms of the youth can be found in his "Epodes" and "Odes". https://www.wikipedia.org/ . Detailed discussions in www.poetryfoundation.org
Renaissance (Erasmus on education): Erasmus's thoughts on youth education can be explored in his work "The Education of a Christian Prince". https://archive.org/details/trent_0116300070582
Enlightenment (Immanuel Kant on youth): Kant's observations are noted in his various philosophical essays, particularly those focusing on ethics and education. .
Industrial Revolution (Matthew Arnold on youth): Arnold's critiques are embedded in his poetry and essays, reflecting on the cultural and social impacts of industrialization on youth. His famous work "Culture and Anarchy" touches upon these themes. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23738073
Early 20th century (F. Scott Fitzgerald on the "Lost Generation"): Fitzgerald’s views are most prominently displayed in his novel "The Great Gatsby",https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Humanities/Modern_Humanities_(Turnbull_and_Ricciardi)/02%3A_THE_ROARING_TWENTIES_and_THE_GREAT_FALL_(1920s-1945)/2.05%3A_The_Lost_Generation.
Post-World War II (David Riesman on youth): Riesman's analysis of the youth and their social behaviors is detailed in his book "The Lonely Crowd", which is a pivotal work in sociology studying American society in the mid-20th century. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-24882-6_8
Late 20th century (Allan Bloom on education): Bloom's critique of modern educational practices and their effects on youth can be found in "The Closing of the American Mind", which is widely available in bookstores and libraries. https://archive.org/details/emileoroneducati00rous
Early 21st century (Jean M. Twenge on Millennials and Gen Z): Twenge’s research on younger generations, particularly focusing on the impacts of digital technology, is detailed in her book "iGen", which provides insights into the behavior and attitudes of younger generations compared to their predecessors. https://www.jeantwenge.com
Michael Levin: The electrical blueprints that orchestrate life: https://youtu.be/XheAMrS8Q1c
The Economist: https://www.economist.com
· Reasons to be cheerful about Generation Z. They are not doomed to be poor and anxious. Apr 18th 2024.
· Generation Z is unprecedentedly rich. Millennials were poorer at this stage in their lives. So were baby-boomers. Apr 16th 2024. Kalamata and New York
· Digital detoxes. What is screen time doing to children. Demands grow to restrict young people’s access to phones and social media. Apr 17th 2024.
