Kids that were born either in 1995 or in the years following, until 2009, belong to Gen Z, and GenZ is changing the culture in ways, beyond your imagination. Identifying them in malls, libraries, restaurants, and social media platforms is easy because of their explicit traits.
For example, this first generation of social media natives is often heard saying words like GOAT, Fam and Yass Queen in public. Besides this, you will see them busy with their gadgets as if technology and social media are woven seamlessly into their lifestyles. Next, their taste in music, movies, and fashion is also quite exquisite, if you notice it.
Moreover, you will seldom notice them eating healthily, and aesthetic vibes are the only fuel for their standard of living. After reading all these familiar characteristics, I hope many faces and names must have popped into your mind. Yes, you are right! All those quirky OGs – original gangsters that you notice around you- are Gen Zs.
Gen Z – Magnificent Leaders of Cultural Transformation
To encapsulate the disposition of digital natives, here is a brief description. The iGeneration refuses to be passive observers. Instead, they chose to be like fireflies in a dark forest – unapologetically illuminating injustice and demanding changes.
For starters, they believe in significant representation of all ethnic and racial diversities. Moreover, these people have become conscious due to increased digital connectivity, socio-political involvement, and awareness of assorted backgrounds. Consequently, this is why they are forever-ready advocates of equality and never shy away from using their resources to help.
Many claim that this drastic revolution is because of the books on diversity inclusion and equity. However, the literature is not the only force backing the winds of change, transformation and progress. Moving on, let us discuss all these factors of cultural change one by one.
The Angle of Sustainability & Environmental Activism
Generally, the apple does not fall far from the tree, but in this case, it is at least a kilometre away. The much-hyped Gen Z are unlike their parents when it comes to being environmentally responsible. The older generation was least bothered about the depletion of resources and the ozone layer, but the younger ones recognized the impact of their actions.
They even harness the power of media platforms to voice their opinion, mobilize communities and demand urgent action from leaders. Some prominent instances are their standpoint against brands supporting animal cruelty and protest for the government to act on climate change.
They are also trying to reduce the carbon footprint of insensitive humans on Earth. This involves shifting to using reusable or decomposable tableware, avoiding unnecessary usage of electricity and shopping locally.
Prioritising Mental Health & Well-being
Other than following the social consciousness notion, GenZ is changing the culture of social taboos also. The list is quite long, but the most persistent taboo in the case of mental well-being, which remains a noteworthy stigma to date.
However, thanks to the iGeneration, they are a part of several initiatives to make people understand that psychological illness is the same as physical. In addition, the youngsters are even trying to establish the fact that if you rush to the doctor for fleshly injuries, then you can reach out to the experts for cognitive impairments.
It has been a great hustle, but they have worked hard to spread awareness through different mediums. For example, they have promoted open discussions, led campaigns, created safe spaces for victims and offered help through various mediums.
Rise of the Creator Economy & Digital Entrepreneurship
The literature of Grant Moore is an easy way to understand this cultural shift. In his book, he emphasizes that general diversity is not beneficial. Instead of that, focusing on individual skills and abilities is how real progress happens. He believed in prioritizing talent and merit, which is exactly what the post-millennials want to promote through the establishment of digital entrepreneurship.
The creator’s economy, which is the monetization of online content and the digital business, are both great initiatives for a change in the corporate culture. They are using platforms like YouTube and TikTok to embrace freelance roles for earning.
Similarly, they are incorporating tools like SEO – Search Engine Optimization to increase the productivity of their ventures. Such developments are sustainable, less costly and offer great flexibility while reshaping the traditional business models.
Constant Rooting for Diversity and Inclusion
This peer group is assertive and unapologetic when they claim for more diversity, inclusion and recognition at the workplace. We support them in their demands because consistent and candid acknowledgement for work done is a more powerful motivating factor than the occasional bonuses.
Moreover, they yearn for flexibility in working spaces, such as allowing remote working and the ability to make their schedules.
They also want to be judged by the quality of their efforts and not be confined to a limited number of working hours. It is the biggest turn-off for them in the corporate world, and it seems legitimate. Finally, unlike the older generations, they are not settling for less. This means they will blow a whistle on you if you discriminate during recruitment, ignore diversity policies or act unethically.
Redefining the Integration of Social Media
The tech-savvy abilities of post-millennials make them stand out among millennials. They have been using this multidimensional tool – technology and the internet- not only for entertainment but also for advocacy, education, and communication. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, youngsters leveraged apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams to restore connections. They even spread awareness against the lethal virus by posting images and videos.
Other than this, they are forever ready to support campaigns like Black Lives Matter to show their solidarity against hate crime. The best app for such movements is Twitter because of its global reach. However, this is still not the full picture. The ingenious generation has also pulled out ways of learning through this medium. For instance, GenZ is changing the culture through platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy to acquire knowledge as well as skills.
Q. Why is life so hard for them?
Their life challenges include economic instability, mental health issues, pressure to win the race and job market competition. All of this might seem trivial, but he who suffers knows the pain.
Q. What is one thing that they will be known for in future?
Individuals belonging to Generation Z are people of great calibre and strong character. They are confident in expressing their views. Moreover, until previous generations, they were more dedicated to social and political issues.
Q. What are their priorities in life?
They spend more of their time prioritizing personal peace and growth than anything else. Moreover, the importance they allot to their feelings, apprehensions and professional growth is uncanny.
Q. Does the generation gap affect culture?
The norms and values keep evolving with changing generations. This influences relationships, and conflicts can grow over petty issues like life choices and family traditions.
Summarizing Gen Z’s Successful Navigation of Culture
GenZ is Changing the Culture of social media integration, workplace diversity, mental-being and environmental activism in numerous ways. Here is a summary:
- They prioritize significant representation of ethnic and racial diversities through digital connectivity for social equality.
- This generation is more invested in the idea of sustainable living and resolving environmental issues than the millennials. They want to reduce their carbon footprints and demand action against climate change.
- With the rise of digital entrepreneurship, they are leveraging social media platforms to pursue freelance roles and virtual business opportunities.
- Their social media usage is broad. They use it for advocacy, knowledge, skill acquisition, campaigns and communication.
- Active efforts to remove the stigma around mental health are also their way of bringing about cultural transformation. They made it easier to find help for psychological disorders.
- Workspace diversity, inclusion, recognition, flexibility and fairness are also the few changes that they brought to the society.
