As a 15-year-old navigating the complexities of todays world, Ive come to realize that every generation has its stereotypes — and mine is no exception. Being part of Generation Z, Ive heard it all: were always on our phones, we document every minute of our lives, were entitled, unrealistic, lazy and avoid hard work. But what if I told you that most of these criticisms arent new? In fact, theyve echoed through history.
Consider this: Over 2,300 years ago, Aristotle complained about the youth of his time, saying, The young have strong passions and tend to gratify them indiscriminately they think they know everything and are always quite sure about it. Its almost comforting to know that even ancient philosophers had their qualms with the younger generation.
Fast forward to the era of The Beatles, and parents were convinced that the world was ending because of long-haired youths and their revolutionary music. Every generation seems to think that the next will herald the apocalypse, yet here we all are, still sharing this world.
Every generation is shaped by the world they grow up in. Millennials dont know a world without the internet, Generation X cant imagine life without television and Baby Boomers grew up in an era in which cars provided mobility like never before. For Generation Z, weve never known a world without smartphones and social media at our fingertips. Weve grown up in two realms simultaneously — the physical and the digital.
Allison Moores (Allison Moores)This dual existence has not only changed how we communicate but also how we perceive possibilities. Our ability to dream is shaped by what we believe is possible, and with unprecedented access to information and technology, our dreams are boundless. Theres never been a generation better equipped to make giant technological leaps than ours.
Why should you care? Well, currently, Gen Z makes up about 69 million people in the U.S., representing over 20% of the population and over 10% of the workforce, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of this year, we are expected to outnumber Baby Boomers in the workplace. We are the future doctors, policymakers, scientists and soldiers. Understanding our values is crucial, not just for us but for everyone who will interact with us — in workplaces, communities and families.
Growing up with immediate access to global news has made us acutely aware of the worlds issues — from climate change to social injustices. We are also more aware, from a very young age, that solutions to these issues are often stifled. Maybe that’s the reason my generation craves meaning in what we do, and is more likely to reject purely transactional jobs. A recent LinkedIn Workforce Confidence Survey showed that 80% of Gen Zers want their work to align with their interests and values.
We also have been collaborating online since we were old enough to tap a screen, and I think that gives us certain advantages. We get a lot done on the go, with fewer resources, and most of us are natural networkers. Companies who embrace these nuances may get a real edge against their competitors.
I’m not saying there isn’t some truth in what is said about our generation. Yes, we love our phones, and sometimes we need to put them down. Some of us are lazy and entitled, and there are times when we have more opinions than experience. But were still growing, learning and figuring out life — just like every generation before us. And so many of us are innovative, hardworking and eager to make a positive impact.
So, lets declare a truce. Lets think better of each other. While weve all experienced this world differently, we share common ground. Older generations have wisdom and experience that we need, and we bring new insights and skills to the table.
Every generation has feared that the next would spell disaster, yet humanity persists. I am hoping that instead of focusing on our differences, we can celebrate them. Lets collaborate, mentor and find purpose together. I think that we can create a more understanding, innovative and unified community by taking steps toward bridging the generational divide, together.
Moores is a junior at The Bishops School and lives in Rancho Santa Fe.