Gen Z is unabashedly authentic. And that’s what puts them in the spotlight!

As a professor, some of my most satisfying moments are my interactions with my students, particularly those from Gen Z. I find them extremely creative and enterprising. They are honest and unapologetically themselves. They exhibit a certain ‘cool’ and stylish nonchalance that reflects not arrogance but confidence. They are pragmatic and known for self-expression. They discuss what they need to discuss and do what they need to do, which is actually refreshing.

They usually don’t carry the burden of conforming or the anxiety of being judged. It’s not that they don’t care about what others think of them; it’s just that they are more interested in being what they are. They shun ‘fake positivism’.

Gen Z, or Zoomers, is the demographic cohort born roughly between 1997 to 2012. Often called the digital natives, their identity has been shaped by the internet and rapid technological advancements. 

Why is Gen Z misunderstood?

Zoomers voraciously consume online content. They typically spend 6-9 hours per day on their phones—flitting between sites, apps, and social media feeds, each forming an important part of their online ecosystem. They flock to corners of the internet where they can share their interests—from gaming to Insta reels to K-pop.  They often get entrapped in the alternate worlds and the fanciful and whimsical characters of video games, imagining gaming plots as realities of their lives. How many ‘friends’, ‘followers’, or ‘likes’ one has on social media makes them fall prey to the comparison trap and pseudo-status phenomenon.

Gen Z is facing an unprecedented behavioural health crisis. They report high prevalence of mental illness and sleep deprivation, often due to FOMO (fear of missing out) or issues with looks and body image. They suffer from stress and anxiety of a seemingly uncertain future.

Most views and opinions on Gen Z lifestyle have been dismissive, presenting them as non-serious, casual, and irreverent to the extent of sometimes vilifying them as a ‘lost generation’. Gen Z is probably the most misunderstood generation. To understand Gen Z is to acknowledge their myriad shades and paradoxes. They are as focussed as they are relaxed, as conventional as they are digital, as aware as they are unheeding, and as sensible as they are childish.

Most members of Gen Z are the children of Gen X. The two are entirely different generations. Gen X has seen maximum changes over time and has learnt things the hard way. They have grappled with financial challenges and often had to contend with less. They grew up saner, wiser, more controlled, less aggressive.

Having seen struggles during their own younger days, most parents of Gen Z have been more liberal with their children than earlier generations. They give their children the comforts they themselves could never enjoy. Perhaps, this is why Gen Z is sometimes perceived as too ‘coddled’, ‘pampered’, and possessing an ‘entitlement mentality’. They are often seen as lazy and unwilling to grow up and take on responsibilities.

Gen Z’s self-deprecating humour

Gen Z is well-known for their strange, self-deprecating humour and weird language trends. It may be their creative expression or an outlet to vent anger, or maybe a way to cope with external pressures and societal expectations. Casual one-liners like “I’m dumb, omg” or “I’m a mess” or the more unsavoury “I look like trash” are a normal part of Gen Z vocabulary.

Previous generations, too, had their share of uncanny humour and bizarre slang, but Gen Z goes a little too far, often bordering on the absurdist, dark humour, trivialising serious issues like health or death. The normalisation of such language desensitises youngsters to the gravity of these issues.

Internet algorithms prioritise content that creates thrill. Memes and jokes that use controversial expressions gain more traction. They garner reactions because of their shock value, and this creates a toxic loop of ‘cringe jokes’ (to borrow Gen Z lingo). Several marketers are cleverly using this humour tactic to gain likes and followership for their brands. It’s the new cultural zeitgeist.

Gen Z is achievement-driven

Contrary to popular perception, studies have shown that Gen Z is better behaved and less hedonistic than previous generations. They are more socially conscious, valuing diversity and seeking purpose-driven work.

They have shown great resilience and gumption during the worst time of the century — the pandemic. Anxiety and behavioural disorders among youth became key concerns. Websites were offering advice to youngsters; some extending magical quick-fixes like “5 tips to help youth with Covid-19 anxiety” or the more obnoxious ones offering parenting tips on “keeping calm with problematic teenagers”.

What needs genuine appreciation is how the youth responded to the unprecedented crisis. They understood, with all the sensibilities of a mature adult, that this was an unnatural situation needing one to react responsibly. They transitioned almost mechanically to online classes or work. They also showed keenness to learn new skills -- arts, languages, music, coding, and even baking. Many of them began their own small ventures, supporting their families in the process, caring for ailing elders. In all the rabble, nobody caught youngsters doing the right things.

Gen Z is ambitious and achievement-driven and has a high propensity for risk-taking. They are a highly entrepreneurial generation, from venturing into start-ups to delving into businesses that prioritize social impact. Gen Z work ethic focusses on growth and purpose over job stereotypes. Their demand for flexibility and value-driven work is pushing companies to rethink traditional office culture.

They are also more tolerant and inclusive—openly advocating their ideas. They usually have strong values, whether racial justice or personal liberty. They’re part of a new wave of conscientious consumers. The shopping and food choices made by Gen Z reflect their concerns about climate action, sustainability, and human rights.

In the classroom, they are not always passive learners. They ask questions— thought-provoking and relevant—and seek meaningful answers. There’s a certain glimmer in those eyes that tells untold tales of a brighter future.

Gen Z may have their own share of stresses that get reflected in their attitude towards life. Feelings like, “why bother so much, we might be hit by an asteroid tomorrow,” may be a fun way of shirking off life’s worries, but who knows.

(The author is Professor, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Studies & Research, Aligarh Muslim University. Views are personal.)