The Gen-Z conundrum

‘Gen-Z’ is not an Indian term. It is a global term that represents an effort to categorize the population born within a specific time frame. When we say Gen-Z, we are standardizing traits and attitudes across countries and cultures. So the effort is to generalize and standardize a certain segment of population. It is a divisive effort to segment a civilizational consciousness; however, this approach overlooks a crucial aspect: it severs the cultural roots of the generation to which it pertains. A particular generation inherits certain traits rather than bringing them with them. You do not create the culture, way of life, or beliefs of the time you were born into.

Profiling of the so-called Gen Z suggests that they are ‘digital natives'—that is, they are incubated in a technological world. This generation is characterized by a deficiency in attention and the ability to multitask, such as solving a difficult mathematics problem while listening to music through headphones.

Their lexicon differs from any accepted form of language; it consists of slang expressions that have become popular as a result of globalization.

For example, the term ‘Slay’ means to perform or look exceptionally good, while ‘Cooked’ conveys exhaustion or serious trouble; additionally, if you thought ‘sick’ referred to being unwell, you are mistaken, as for Gen Z it means extremely impressive or ‘cool’ (and if you thought 'cool' was the opposite of 'hot,' that is also a misunderstanding!). Their language defines their "culture and attitude."

Since this generation is born in the digital-social media consciousness, which brings features like infinite scrolling and quantified social validation, it exploits human psychology to create addictive habit loops. This generation is the most impressionable and gullible, an ideal target and prey for demagogues. The art and science of demagogy create conditions of us vs. them and simplify complexities, and it concerns itself with social psychology, behavioral economics, and propaganda studies—perfect grounding for activism and protest.

Constant digital immersion has created significant health challenges for Gen Z. Goodnight is never before 3 am! And they are highly sleep deprived. They report a high level of burnout driven by the "always be hustling" mode. Physical resilience is almost absent in Gen Z, and they constantly look for faster and quicker ways—nothing wrong with it; however, it comes at the cost of their physical endurance.

Companies have not preferred Gen Z, and the issue has been a topic of discussion, particularly in the last 4-5 years; however, the situation is more nuanced than it appears. Gen Z is perhaps changing the rule of employment and work hierarchy. It is, however, intriguing to note that employers consider them lacking in soft skills, having an 'act your wage’ mentality, and having high expectations; they prefer shortcuts for quick gains.

Where do we go from here? The Gen Z "business" needs to stop. Each country must visit its own culture and go back to its cultural and spiritual roots. No matter how much the world has 'advanced,' you are always connected to your roots; it is a cultural continuity that must not be broken.

Our wisdom traditions have laid out for us a path towards self-mastery and expression, and it is this path that our young generation must endeavor to explore. There is, of course, a disclaimer: we cannot bring the ‘old’ dictates for the ‘new’ times—we must discover a way and examples that are inspiring enough for them to look forward to. This task is not simple; "education" and "parenting" must take the first bold step.