You often hear complaints about today’s youth: they’re disrespectful, entitled, and obsessed with crude music. They dress provocatively or inappropriately, and seem selfish and oblivious to the world around them. This sentiment—“kids these days”—is frequently voiced, especially by those over 40, who scrutinize the younger generation and predict doom for the future. Some even believe that teenagers will bring about societal collapse.
Interestingly, those who often lament the state of today’s youth tend to forget the criticisms that were leveled at their own generations when they were young. Disrespectful? Entitled? Obsessed with vulgar music? Sound familiar? Every older generation has used the same tired critiques against the younger generation. It’s time to break this cycle of negativity. It’s not only redundant, but it also ignores the fact that we, too, acted foolishly in our youth. And it unfairly assumes that Gen Z’s brains will never fully develop.
In fact, if any generation deserves less criticism, it’s this one. Gen Z, or “Zoomers,” is outperforming previous generations in various measurable ways. Personally, I have a 14-year-old son who surprises me daily with his insight, kindness, and humor. But the data about Gen Z supports my perspective.
Empathy and Social Responsibility
Zoomers inherently value empathy and social responsibility. They are the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in American history, embodying the melting pot ideal. They see diversity as a positive force, and inclusivity is second nature to them. When asked about issues that previous generations debated—like whether to maintain friendships with someone who is gay or to date outside their race—Zoomers often respond with confusion, as if the questions themselves are outdated.
In a 2018 Pew Research survey, nearly half of Gen Z believed that same-sex marriage was a societal good, while only 15% thought it was detrimental. This contrasts sharply with the views of Baby Boomers, where 32% viewed same-sex marriage negatively. Gen Z is also more attuned to issues like systemic racism, with a higher percentage of Republican Zoomers acknowledging racial disparities compared to their Millennial counterparts.
Making Healthier Choices
Moreover, Zoomers are taking their time growing up, leading to healthier choices. They are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college, with 57% of 18- to 21-year-olds in college in 2018 compared to just 43% for Gen Xers in 1987. They also engage less in adult behaviors like drinking and smoking, perhaps due to increased engagement with academics and extracurriculars.
This generation’s cautious approach has resulted in a significant drop in teen pregnancies and abortions, with increased access to long-acting reversible contraception among low-income teens.
Digital Natives
As digital natives, Zoomers have grown up with the internet and social media, making them adept at discerning truth from deception. While older generations may worry about their screen time, they often overlook the richness of the social interactions and current events discussions that occur in those spaces. A conversation with a Zoomer can reveal a deep understanding of political and social issues, along with a unique and often humorous perspective.
Commitment to Social Justice
Gen Z is also notable for their commitment to social justice. A 2020 survey indicated that they prioritize human rights over financial gain. Having witnessed their parents navigate the Great Recession, as well as school shootings and insufficient governmental responses to crises, they are informed and engaged. Notably, it was Gen Z students who sparked the #NeverAgain movement after the Parkland shooting.
Creativity and Humor
Zoomers are not just serious; they’re creative and humorous. They engage with social commentary in ways that blend irony and critique, turning hashtags and trends into platforms for social awareness. They care about their personal expression rather than conforming to outdated fashion trends, and they are keenly aware of how to navigate complex discussions.
Conclusion
In summary, if any generation deserves the label of “kids these days,” it should be one that defies the stereotypes and offers hope for the future. Sure, there are individuals in every generation who fall short, but as a whole, Gen Z is proving to be a remarkable group with the potential to make a significant positive impact.
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Summary:
This article argues that the criticisms directed at Gen Z are unfounded and repetitive, as every older generation has historically voiced similar concerns. It highlights the positive attributes of Gen Z, including their awareness of social issues, commitment to inclusivity, and responsible life choices. By breaking the cycle of negativity, we can recognize that today’s youth have the potential to create a brighter future.