Generation Z, also known as "Homo Globalis" or "Millennials," is a global generation (Tari 2011). Generation Z has been described differently depending on the members of this party. Several experiments used various definitions: According to Howe-Strauss (1991), those born after 1982 include Generation Z. Other methods claim that Generation Z participants were born after 1995. (Grail Research 2011 and Tari 2011). The Millenials outline distinct and general traits just like any other group. This generation is characterized by a similar culture as outlined in the types of food consumed, fashion trends and places of residence. Their similarities are also evident in their language more so in their choice of words and expressions never seen before in the previous generations (Tari 2011). Generation Z are more connected social with the internet and social media acting as a powerful platform of socialization (Mccrindle-Wolfinger, 2010).
Generation Z individuals unlike the predecessor generation are brought up in a digital age and thus are more inclined to the technology and products associated with advances in technology. These individuals love to publicize their personas online. The ways of communication among the Generation Z youngsters are more done using the mobile gadgets. The common communication instruments utilized are the Smartphone, computers or laptops. The examples of the smart-phones used are the Android phones and iPhone. The common social networking sites utilized by the Z generation include Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter (Emelo 2013).
The young teens of the Z generation are more inclined to online gaming than exercising or playing in the field. Most of them will be glued indoor long hours of the day playing computer games or watching movies. The most common channels watched include the cartoon channels the common ones are: Disney channel, Nickelodeon and Teen Vogue. Online gaming has been backed by the innovation of the time as such teenage gaming needs are more catered for. The virtual reality (VR) has been improved with the hardware such as Play Station VR, HTC Vice and Oculus Rift. Football, Racing and Action games can be players using PS gamers which keep improving (Gaudiosi, 2016).
The social, economic and political backgrounds have had an immense influence in the creation of Generation Z. The unique characteristics of this generation have bearing on the advances made by the above backgrounds in the previous generations. Generation Z individuals are also more reactive to fashion and are often motivated to change their fashion according to certain popular individuals which can be musicians, footballers and athletes. Brands such as Nike and Adidas form parts of the apparels which teens would like to wear in order to associate with certain famous individuals (Pop Culture World, n.d.).
Part IV: Origin and others
The Generation Z outlines tolerance and acceptance of diversity. They are more responsible, respectful and tolerant to embrace diversity. The group are more oriented to social change, are aware of the circumstances that are surrounds them and more mindful of their community. They are not afraid to try new innovations or technologies however are more cautions. The group is pragmatic and resilient as their innocence is not curtailed. The generation is more collaborative and respects the law and authority. They show love for their parents and are not rebellious. They are however more inquisitive and question any undertakings. The members of this group often question, reappraise and critic everything before them (Fudin 2012).
Generation Z develop their interests from having the experience and the pleasure they can experience. Their behavior is more egocentric and thus they are keener on their own interests. The young expect to be given attention and their problems taken seriously. Their attention is focused on a short span and often disregards what is beyond them. The young engage in multi-tasking activities and their urge for instant solutions makes them quick to do evaluation and access information (Anatole 2013).
The issues of concern for this generation often stem from bad influence and behavior. Members of this generation have shown participation in violence related activities in schools and outside. Their rage and aggressiveness often can result in killings through shootings and accidents. The radical nature of some individuals have informed on their decision to join radical groups and even be in involved in terrorism. A few members of generation Z have shown involvement in political affiliation which often results in division in case of different ideologies. Some may show acts of discrimination on others by virtue of their political or religious affiliation. The generation is not much into climate change and thus exhibits less concern towards environmental conservation.
Generation Z however, has much of their time consumed in the internet limiting their mobility and participation in the outdoor activities. Their communication is much coded and can be formed in simple texts. The spending of much time online can negatively influence their physical wellness and can be harmful to their health. A strategy is thus worth being cultivated to ensure that this generation take up exercises more seriously for their health and activeness (Looper n.d.).
The characteristic of Generation Z of being online has prompted the utilization of the internet platform to undertake many activities. Marketing for instance has transformed into online forma s the reach is wider and the space is cheaper. Customers can learn on the products they need online fast and at the convenience of their homes. The manufacturers also can sell their products online and get the feedback from their consumers instantly (Grail Research 2011).
Part V: Heroism and Hope
Generation Z shares similar problems with the previous generations but the technical knowhow presents them with opportunities guiding their behavior comprehensively. The visual and verbal platform presented by the internet guides the growth of the youths today. Real time and updated information is shared quite easily and efficiently at an instant.
The simplification in the forms of life and being direct to the point has helped improved on the productivity of this generation. Majority of the young members of this generation have abandoned most of the adult roles as modeled by their parents. They instead have opted for their own kind who are famous and have excelled in their field such as artists of pop music (Pop Culture World n.d.).
Generation Z is a sharing generation and this has been evident in their tendency and urge to share even their own possessions with others. Sharing among this generation is more typical and thus information obtained ought to be passed to another for free. The young generation often is self driven to share their opinions and knowledge online. They seek knowledge through online research and learning and are able to gauge themselves with others globally.
Members of this group are more into education and enlightenment for prosperity. Their performance is driven much by the pressure to achieve and perform well. Their confidence and intelligence makes the see beyond the superficial. They love to have access to instant information which warrants immediate feedback. The internet has improved on their access to information and made communication even easier and simplified (Troksa 2016).
The technological use among the Generation Z has prompted innovation while causing a decline in the use of other technologies. The use of emails as a form of sending message has been much confined to official communication by organizations and not for social interactions. Many young people now prefer Facebook, Twitter or Instagram as their socialization platform. The use of this platforms have however been seen to decline over a period of time with the advances in technology and the realization of newer innovations.
Work Cited
Anatole, E., Generation Z: Rebels with a cause. 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/onmarketing/2013/05/28/generation-z-rebels-with-a-cause/
Emelo, R., Forget gen Y. get ready for gen Z. 2013, Retrieved from: http://www.astd.org/Publications/Blogs/Human-Capital-Blog/2013/06/Forget-Gen-Y-Get-Ready-for-Gen-Z
Euromonitor International. Make way for generation Z: Marketing for today’s teens and tweens. 2012. Retrieved from: http://oaltabo2012.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/make-way-for-generation-z1.pdf
Fudin, S., Gen Z & what does it mean in your classroom? 2012. Retrieved from http://rossieronline.usc.edu/gen-z-what-does-it-mean-in-your-classroom-2/
Gaudiosi J., Virtual Reality Video Game Industry to Generate $5.1 Billion in 2016. Retrieved from: http://www.fortune.com/2016/01/05/virtual-reality-game-incdustry-to-generate-billions/
Grail Research, Consumers of tomorrow. 2011. Retrieved from www.grailresearch.com/pdf/ContenPodsPdf/Consumers_of_Tomorrow_Insights_and_Observations_About_Generation_Z.pdf
Looper, L. (n.d.). How generation Z works. Retrieved from http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/generation-gaps/generation-z.htm
McCrindle, M.–Wolfinger, E. Az XYZ ábécéje. A nemzedékek meghatározása.Korunk 11: 13–18. 2010.
Pop Culture World. (n.d.) Generation Z characteristics. Retrieved from: http://popcultureworld.hubpages.com/hub/Generation-Z-Characteristics
Tari, A., Z generáció: klinikai pszichológiai jelenségek és társadalomlélektani szempontok az információs korban. Budapest: Tericum. 2011.
Strauss, W.–Howe, N., Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069. New York: Harper Perennial (1992)
Troksa, Lauren M., "The Study of Generations: A Timeless Notion within a Contemporary Context" (2016). Undergraduate Honors Theses. Paper 1169
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