Generation Z

SOMEONE told me recently that we are now done with the

millennials. We now have to deal with the emerging new Generation Z,

also known as iGeneration, Post-Millennials, the young people born in

the mid 1990s and mid 2000s.

            These are people who are practically born with the

smartphones in their hands. They definitely are exposed to a different

environment, and their sensibilities are pronouncedly different from

those of the previous generations. For one, they have a short

attention span, but they can be more knowledgeable with regard to the

new technologies.

            This is how Wikipedia describes them: “a significant

aspect of this generation is the widespread usage of the Internet from

a young age…thought of as being comfortable with technology, and

interacting on social media websites for a significant portion of

their socializing…”

            We have to hone up our skills at intergenerational

dealings, with the older generations leading the way without

controlling the younger ones. We have to be more sensitive to this

aspect of our life these days. With the growing diversity of

developments around, we need to be truly skilful in handling the

intricate and more felt requirements of intergenerational integration,

learning the art of adjusting and adapting.

            We cannot help but deepen our respective generational

specializations of interest, in all their social and cultural

varieties. I suppose this is how things go. We even have to foster the

legitimate differences. But we need to learn how to form one organic

whole, since in the end we all are one human family.

            This can mean that we have to develop certain attitudes,

skills and practices, like openness to all things, acquisition of more

knowledge of things in general and of oneself, which means that we

have to be observant and perceptive, and that we know how study, how

to relate things and come out with conclusions, etc.

            We also need to consult and discuss things with others,

which presumes that we have an open and transparent personality,

capable of entering into meaningful dialogue with others. Openness

here does not mean we do not have our own opinions and beliefs. We can

and should have, but still willing to listen to others.

            We have to learn how to be friendly with everyone,

including those with whom we might have sharp differences. We have to

learn how to go beyond our personal preferences and beliefs so as to

be able to engage with those who are different from us or are even in

conflict with us.

            With the Generation Z, we have to learn to understand them

the way they are and help to motivate them. We have to learn their

language and get to know their concerns, dreams, aspirations as well

as their fears and insecurities. We have to know how to develop their

potentials and to minimize their deficiencies insofar as their human

and spiritual life is concerned.

            One way to tap their energies is to engage them in

startups by opening horizons for them in the area of business and

enterprise, for example. We have to teach them how to relate

themselves to the common good of society and ultimately to God.