Generation Z is always watching. Because this generation grew up with phones in their hands, instant access to all kinds of information and different groups of people, there has never been a generation better equipped to understand the world around them.
That’s why Generation Z is always on patrol.
This group is known to care more than any other generation. They care about the environment, social issues, inclusivity, mental health, and everything in between.
Gen Z includes people born between 1997 and 2012. The youngest are 13 and the oldest 27, encompassing high school sophomores through new college graduates and fresh members of the workforce. This generation has grown up in a time where they have access to worldwide issues at their fingertips, which made them care at level not seen in people so young.
This awareness has raised a generation that is finding ways to be proactive and spark change.
At Highland, this generation is politically active and concerns itself with many social issues, even those far away from home.
“I do a lot of human rights activism; I recently attended the gun safety protests that we did here at Highland,” Highland senior Caroline Drake said. “I’m very passionate about standing up for what you believe in, so speaking up and speaking out for others.”
Older generations don’t understand growing up with social media engulfing every aspect of their lives, so they generalize Gen Z as chronically online and using it to replace other forms of entertainment. Drake is a perfect example of how Gen Z uses social media for positive purposes and to create change.
“I think we are a lot different from other generations just because we are growing up in a completely different era with the media and technology we have. I am very active on social media and posting about my political beliefs,” Drake said.
Gen Z has been criticized, due to their age and engagement, for being hostile and unforgiving. They form strong opinions are don’t let other people’s thoughts sway theirs. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up in our changing world and they are doing their best to use it to their advantage.
“I am so proud to be a Gen Z and I think that we are all just ready to fight and ready to take on the world around us,” Drake said.
