January 16, 2022
Gen Z: the technological conflict of the generation of this
Let's start with a fundamental premise, namely: what is meant by generation Z?
The term generation Z refers to people born between 1995 and 2010, the members of the Z generation are children of the X generation, born between 1965 and 1980. The Z generation is preceded by the millennial or generation Y, born between 1981 and 1995, while the next generation is the Alpha generation which includes those born from 2010 onwards.
They were born at the beginning of the great recession of 2008. The Gen Z has never known a world without conflicts, threats of terrorism and now also planetary pandemics. All this has made them more responsible, even more thrifty than the immediately previous generation.
In this regard, several research carried out globally during the culmination of the pandemic have shown how a fifth of young people between 18 and 24 years of age has deactivated their accounts on social networks (but the data grows up to a quarter in some countries such as L 'Italy), while a third is limiting the use of the smartphone during the day. The latest survey of the Digital Society Index reveals how the Z generation is reducing the quantity of its online activities. Measures that indicate a strong awareness from the genzers of how and how much their data can be used and some of the negative impacts perceived of technology on society. More than half of them (58%), in fact, does not trust technological companies due to the concerns about the use of their data.
Mental health problems also arouse great concern. Almost half of the genzers believe that an immoderate personal use of technology has a negative impact on one's psycho-physical well-being. The genz, a generation that has based its certainties almost entirely on social media, no longer recognizes digital as a "safe place" in which to grow and take refuge. It is not new that social media, in particular Instagram, allow people to show the world a version of themselves idealized and studied at the table. A someone who is always fashionable, who always is on vacation, without imperfections and who makes a social life. We must not forget that some people develop unhealthy addictions with social media, while others use them sporadically, without consequences. Perhaps the love-hatred relationship that many have developed with these devouring platforms is not caused by technology itself, but by the way we use it and abuse it.
The term generation Z refers to people born between 1995 and 2010, the members of the Z generation are children of the X generation, born between 1965 and 1980. The Z generation is preceded by the millennial or generation Y, born between 1981 and 1995, while the next generation is the Alpha generation which includes those born from 2010 onwards.
The gen Z has been called "digital native" as it is accustomed to the use of technology and social media, which affect for a significant part of their socialization process. They are the first to have not known a world without technologies and digital environments, which cannot fail to influence how everyday life, consumption and expectations towards work live. This is a decidedly multicultural generation and with political ideas that cannot be separated from support for homosexual marriages, LGBTQI+ rights and gender equality.
They were born at the beginning of the great recession of 2008. The Gen Z has never known a world without conflicts, threats of terrorism and now also planetary pandemics. All this has made them more responsible, even more thrifty than the immediately previous generation.
They are considered unreliable, restless and bold, in reality all searches report that the gen z expresses important values such as:
- Distorted social commitment and work;
- Independence and determination;
- Sensitivity to the principles of honesty and loyalty.
In this regard, several research carried out globally during the culmination of the pandemic have shown how a fifth of young people between 18 and 24 years of age has deactivated their accounts on social networks (but the data grows up to a quarter in some countries such as L 'Italy), while a third is limiting the use of the smartphone during the day. The latest survey of the Digital Society Index reveals how the Z generation is reducing the quantity of its online activities. Measures that indicate a strong awareness from the genzers of how and how much their data can be used and some of the negative impacts perceived of technology on society. More than half of them (58%), in fact, does not trust technological companies due to the concerns about the use of their data.
Mental health problems also arouse great concern. Almost half of the genzers believe that an immoderate personal use of technology has a negative impact on one's psycho-physical well-being. The genz, a generation that has based its certainties almost entirely on social media, no longer recognizes digital as a "safe place" in which to grow and take refuge. It is not new that social media, in particular Instagram, allow people to show the world a version of themselves idealized and studied at the table. A someone who is always fashionable, who always is on vacation, without imperfections and who makes a social life. We must not forget that some people develop unhealthy addictions with social media, while others use them sporadically, without consequences. Perhaps the love-hatred relationship that many have developed with these devouring platforms is not caused by technology itself, but by the way we use it and abuse it.
I think we all knew that this moment sooner or later would come. The gratification and excitement that gave post on social media seems to disappear more and more. Of course, many of us still shake the home of social media in automatic mode, putting photos of plants, landscapes and tear status without trying anything. But, by chance, we will be moving away from social networks to lighten our ideas, to build authentic relationships and to experience emotions that a more real life can give us?
Simona Danos
