How Generation Z is taking the Internet by Storm

Generation Z

What is the Generation Z age range?

Gen Z was defined by Pew Research Center as being born after 1997 and before 2011. In other words, they are currently aged 10–23 years old.

What defines Generation Z? Is it their curiosity? Their ‘wokeness’? Their resilience? Their stubbornness? It’s hard to say. Because the truth is, they’re not meant to be compartmentalized; they symbolize plurality in everything that they represent. 

The major difference of generation Z is that, unlike other generations that were born with technologies already existing, generation Z  grew up with the formations of social media. In fact, they are the first digital natives. And we need to look no further than the digital space to understand how Generation Z has not only impacted the way information gets consumed but also bred a culture that emphasizes the importance of being socially and politically aware of the world around us.

On the one hand, millennials and Generation Z are using social media to amplify voices that are drowning in a sea of misinformation. And on the other, they’re spreading the much-needed message of kindness and positivity through their creativity and art. There is an unprecedented desire within this generation to stay educated, engaged, and above all, hopeful. They make use of the best webinar software to stay informed and updated with the happenings from across the world!

In the face of a pandemic, Generation Z has turned the Internet into a creatively charged and healthy space for artists to create content that not only serves as a form of escapism but also as a form of activism.  With regards to TikTok, many influencers now use bots to inflate their engagement metrics. A smart tactic. For further info, Quantum Marketer reviews TikTok bots.

Generation Z

Social media, in particular, has presented itself as a platform for Gen Z to learn, unlearn and relearn, as well as connect with a community of people that make them feel less alienated. Whether it be through Reddit threads, Tumblr posts, Twitter feeds, YouTube videos, or even the Instagram community, the platform has proven to be therapeutic for both content creators, as well as their audiences. There was even a recent controversy where a prominent music personality of the Indian music industry was found to buy youtube views.

With more and more young people exploring a varied level of interests, ranging from TikTok dances to absurd trends, to blogging, to even attending workshops and webinars online, the Internet landscape has never been more vast, busy or accessible.

Naturally, social media, to some extent, has also harmed Generation Z’s mental health. But there are undoubtedly healthy conversations taking place regarding the same online, and normalizing therapy has been a big part of them. During a time where many of us are having to work from home or take online classes, the power of being able to engage with relatable content being made by young artists and creators online is quite comforting.

More than anything, what Generation Z has been able to do with the Internet and their familiarity with the digital space is make others feel less miserable when we are, in fact, at our lowest points or having the worst of days. Now more than ever, it is easy for young people to feel overwhelmed by the onset of global warming, political instability, and unemployment, but their resilience in trying to make things right and using humor to cope with the same is admirable.

Noticeably, there has always been a lot of stigma surrounding Generation Z and the Internet, as many often complain that young people are spending too much time online, but it’s important to bear in mind that this is a generation that is having to live with the direct consequences of choices made by generations before; the current political climate, as well as the ongoing generational crisis, do not leave young people with much of a choice than to actively engage online, so it’s safe to say that for all the ridicule Gen Z faces for “having it easier” than most, it is also the one paying the heaviest price.

Gen Z is more racially and ethnically diverse than previous generations

The Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism analyzed census data from 2010 through 2014 and found that while racial diversity among millennials has remained relatively stable over time, it increased significantly among Generation Z: From 12% of young people being nonwhite in 1990 to 26% today. The share of Hispanic youth also rose during this period, from 11% to 18%.

Generation Z is less religious than older Americans

A recent study by the Public Religion Research Institute showed a decline in religiosity across all age groups between 2007-2016. Among Gen Zers, however, there was an even greater drop in religiosity compared with other generational cohorts. In 2016, only 29 percent of Gen Zers said religion was “very important” in their lives, down from 44 percent in 2007.

Gen Z is expecting more innovation from companies

Some are referring to these newest arrivals as Generation Alpha. In one recent survey, 66% of Millennials said their standard for customer experience was higher than ever compared to 53% of Gen Z. The younger generation has grown accustomed to technology being an integral part of everyday life. In fact, according to research by Deloitte, nearly half of Gen Z expects every company to offer them innovative products or services within five years.

This expectation extends beyond just tech — Gen Z wants to see new ways of doing things too. A whopping 80% of this generation expects businesses to innovate when it comes to working culture, leadership style, and even office space.

Amidst a pandemic, however, their message online (and offline), reads strong: Do better. Be better. Stay safe, and stay woke.

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About the Author – Nothing excites Ramya more than being able to talk and write about the things he loves. Particularly if it concerns film- Ramya lives for a good film.

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