As kids, we have probably all heard it – a reminisce from our parents on their ancient, pre-iPhone childhood. The usual exaggerated story: “When I was your age, I had to walk a mile to school every day… when I was your age, I was already helping my parents with the bills… I didn’t even have a phone until I was 21.” There’s an almost condescending comparison to the Gen Z teenager who grew up with the internet, who spends hours staring at a computer screen every day and who likes to film TikToks and play video games. Compared to the previous generations, Gen Z is seen as the slackers.
As part of Gen Z, I often feel looked down upon and misunderstood by older generations. It is as if my presence on social media or my opinions on social justice automatically dismisses me as lazy, privileged or irresponsible. But Gen Z’s connection to technology should not be something that is used against us. In fact, our generation’s use of the internet and our social media presence gives us even more power to affect the world around us. We are capable of social justice reform, activism and innovation on a massive scale, one that previous generations could not have imagined. What has been perceived as flaws in Gen Z people are actually strengths.
The real question for older generations to consider is whether or not they want to accept a new era. Each generation has changed something about our world, and now it is Gen Z’s turn. So which do we really want to perpetuate: criticism based on old traditions or tolerance of something new?
