Understanding Generation Z

It seems like every generation has a new set of weird attributes, things that the previous generations just don’t understand. Teen rebellion seems to repeat with each generation. They play loud, defiant music. They sneak out at night, itching to get their parents off their back. They rush to reach the promised land of a driver’s license.
It’s not always easy to understand generation Z, those being born from 1997 to 2012 but hopefully this post can give you a start to understanding the generation that started eating tide pods for fun, and doing comical dances from some app named Tik Tok.
1. Gen Z have grown up with technology
While every other generation has lived without the type of advanced technology we see today, Generation Z grew up with this type of tech and our significantly more comfortable with it. This has translated to more time in front of screens, but also the desire to use technology to effect the world.
Adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours per day. The impacts of this are clear, high screen times make them feel more isolated, insecure, and self-critical. Teens are self-aware about their problems, and most agree that they spend too much time on social media, but that doesn’t always help them put their phones down. High screen time tends to replace reading books, socializing with friends, and sleep.
On the more positive other hand, they can reach many people for good through social media platforms. They often use social media to enact what they believe is a positive change.
It is important for parents to understand the technology that their children are using and to become familiar with it themselves. This can help you better understand your children’s interests and preferences and can also provide opportunities for shared experiences. This doesn’t mean doing the same weird social media trends they do, but don’t be afraid to text them, or try to play video games with them.
2. They are aware of the importance of mental health
With the increasing loneliness from the use of screens, gen z not only experiences higher rates of diagnosed mental illness but are also in tune with the importance of having good mental health. The other contributing factor according to research is the social issues that cause significant stress with this generation including the pandemic, mass shootings, climate change and racial tensions.
The good news is that they are much more likely to seek professional help for these problems. This has reduced the mental health stigma in this generation, and increased the knowledge of how to treat them. As parents, be willing to learn about mental health illnesses and seek to give Gen Z a safe and non-judgmental place to talk about what they’re experiencing.3. Gen Z doesn’t value their jobs as much as previous generations
While millennials found significant meaning in their work generation Z has moved past that. Instead, they tend to view work as very practical and highly value financial security in their lives. Since Gen Zers live in a post-2008 recession economy with expanding inflation, high rent, and massive student loans, they value a secure job over a meaningful one. They do not remember or know the world before 9/11, and they are constantly in touch with global issues, wars, famines, and humanitarian crises from moment to moment. All of these factors and more lead them to highly prize safety. In fact, stability is one of their highest priorities in life. Nearly everything is filtered through the question, “Is it safe?”
How should Christians respond to Gen Z?
It’s easy to judge Gen Z for their weird habits, lack of meaning in their jobs, and being stuck to a screen, yet they have a massive amount of untapped potential.
Limiting screen time, instilling a love of reading, and giving them opportunities for experiences in the real world will help produce resilience. Teaching them about God’s purpose for their life is absolutely essential. Instruct them about courage and model it in your own life. Encourage them with their ideas for making positive change.
Ultimately, they desperately need the gospel—just like every other generation.