GENERATION Z: THE FIRST FULL-GENERATION ONLINE

Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1997 to 2012 is considered the first generation to not only witness the genesis of the internet but to grow alongside it. With the oldest of the Gen Z youth being in their mid to late 20s, we are able to ascertain both the positive and negative effects of being a digital native.

One of the biggest positives of the internet is connection, whether that is connection to resources, information, or people. As humans, we strive for kinship and the internet is a great tool for that, connecting people to people all around the world, platonically or romantically. And thanks to the internet, Gen Z has become one of the most socio-politically aware generations, with insights into major global events and movements. With access to people all over the world, there is a general encouragement to listen to underrepresented voices and different perspectives. And with this knowledge, Gen Z hope to better their future with accountability and sustainability.

However, much like everything, there are some negatives to discuss. Have you heard of the term “iPad kid”? It often refers to a kid who no matter the setting, they got their faces glued to an iPad, often missing out on life. Instead of playing with other kids or going outside, they are placed in front of a screen by their parents. At such a key developmental stage, kids are losing out on developing socialization skills and age-appropriate self-regulation techniques. Without healthy interactions that encourage children to practice patience, experience frustration, disappointment, problem-solving, etc., they can experience feelings of loneliness and isolation, leading to an increase in depression and anxiety. Additionally, bright colors are used to grab attention within a short period of time, which can impact attention levels and desensitize the brain’s reward system. Because they are overused, it requires more stimulation to feel happy.

With children getting phones at an earlier age, screen time is at an all-time high, especially if there are no limitations in place. Without restrictions, children and adolescents can stumble upon age-inappropriate, disturbing, and downright dangerous websites and people. The anonymous nature of the internet can allow people to say and do things with minimal repercussions. Cyberbullying has become a new facet of bullying in schools because it can be done behind the screen. Oftentimes, schools cannot monitor that properly and this can lead to kids feeling hopeless that there is no one to turn to and internalize what is being said on the internet.