Generation Z



Born in 1998, I am part of Generation Z. Having used the internet from a young age, I'm comfortable with technology, online platforms and social media. I can't imagine what life would be like without mobile phones, computers or the internet. Generation Z is said to have a few prominent characteristics. These include a strong will for independence, entrepreneurial spirit, curiosity and spontaneity. I'd like to think I possess some of these traits.

According to The Economist, we can also note that Generation Z is more stressed and depressed than previous generations. Unfortunately, some of these less notable characteristics also form part of who I am. I'd like to say that I was somewhat surprised by this bold statement, but that would be an utter lie. This made me question what my generation is doing differently that makes us earn these results. Inevitably, many factors contribute to our decline in mental health, but one stands out to me as the most obvious cause; social media. 


We're living in an era where so many of us plan our experiences and adventures in a bid to create an 'insta-worthy' highlight reel for our lives. We choose holiday destinations based on pictures we've seen someone else share, we plan adventures around the likelihood of getting great photos, and we even choose what we wear based on what our peers wear. Individuality is limited to what is deemed socially acceptable, and creativity killed by the expectations of our friends, family and peers. 

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter allow us to curate a life of picture perfect moments, that are all almost an exact clone of our peers'. They encourage us to develop our identity through social acceptance, and people are rewarded for following the crowd with likes, followers and meaningless comments. 


To put it plainly; all of this following, bidding for acceptance, and not taking people for who they are kind of freaks me out. Being different isn't a bad thing, it just means that you're brave enough to be yourself. While it might seem, at times, that what sets you apart from everyone else is a burden, being unapologetically you is the most beautiful thing on earth. 

Talk soon,

2 comments

  1. Such an interesting post! I think with Gen Z that even though we many have the probably the worst mental health problems as people actually discuss it and instead of bottling it up. I also think that as a Generation we are the usually the most accepting especially towards the LGBTQ+ community, unfortunately this isn't always the case but I feel like it is the majority.
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