Many people do great things for others. They serve, they volunteer, and they help. They give, they love, and they work together to solve problems. But, it seems that in recent times, many of us have instead turned inward, focusing on our own successes, our own monetary gains, and our own wellbeing…even in some cases, at the expense of others.

I have spent the last seven years studying and writing about youth, teens, and young adults. I have been moved by their call for all of us to focus outward, where our care for the collective would outweigh our individual desires. This call is even more pronounced when it comes to those in leadership positions. A vast number of young people believe leaders today are profiting off the planet, enacting restrictive and discriminatory policies, and “un”leveling the economic playing field to favor the wealthy. With these sentiments, it’s no wonder they are exasperated by the notion of leadership as it currently stands.

While many leaders may appear disconnected from humanity, humanity itself has emerged as the new leader. The world’s crisis has caused a recalibration in the human spirit where everyday people are focusing outward and stepping up as our leaders. Whether it is the healthcare workers who are putting themselves at risk every day, educators who are finding new ways to teach students online, parents who are trying to balance working while home schooling, or businesses and nonprofits filling the gaps where help is needed, we see humanity recalibrating.

Even more, we see individuals volunteering to pack food for those who desperately need it, giving blood, and fostering animals to help offset the burden on shelters. Artists are offering free concerts from their living rooms, and educators are sharing their insight with free webinars. Youth today are stepping in as well by printing 3-D masks, delivering groceries for those who need assistance, and creating public service announcements to help inform others about COVID-19.

All of this has me thinking, just like our young people already have been, why haven’t we been doing this all along? Why did it take a crisis for human beings to give, help, donate, and serve like they are today? Will our “leaders” take a cue from the contributions and sacrifices from everyday people? How will this rise in humanity leadership shape the way young people view leadership?

I do hope that after all of this subsides, that the generous and beautiful nature of humanity that has emerged will continue to be the leadership we need for generations to come.

This article was first published with the International Leadership Association at http://ila-net.org/reflections/cseemiller.html.

A Global Crisis and the Recalibration of Humanity was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In this stay-at-home era, we seem to be well aware of the amount of social interaction we are having. For those who are by themselves, that sense of quiet may be a little lonely. However, for those staying home with others, their interaction may be on overdrive, as everyone in the household tries to find a quiet spot in a bustling space. With schools and many workplaces closed, the day-to-day interaction we have been accustomed to with those outside our homes has greatly waned. Even the casual conversations at the grocery store or a restaurant are on hold. This imbalance is very striking to Gen Zers (born 1995–2010). They may have an overdrive of connection at home and little social interaction with their friends, classmates, or others not living with them. So, how is this affecting Generation Z today and how might it shape the way they engage with others as they grow older?

Family Connection

Although some young adults say that they feel that temporarily moving home has been like going back in time to their adolescence, the overall sentiment of many in Generation Z of all ages is that they like being home and spending time with their families. Many already had expressed having a high regard for their parents as role models and mentors. Who then would be better to hunker down with than the very people they look up to the most?

In addition, these young people are watching their parents and older loved ones survive this tenuous time. Gen Zers are witnessing their family members handling the stress of jobs and finances, trying to acquire food and supplies, and putting other pressing obligations aside to assist with schooling their children. This balancing act likely won’t go unnoticed by young people. As a generation that already had expressed a desire to hold jobs with high work-life balance and flexibility, navigating this crisis as a family now may reinforce how to best balance their commitments to face adversity with their own families in the future.

Community Connection

In addition to family connection, it is also important to consider relationships with the community. In Robert Putnam’s book, Bowling Alone, the author points out the transformation of our neighborly and community connections to one of more distance and isolation. He tracks this decline by looking at decreasing rates of participation in bowling leagues, a symbol of community. Today, many of us don’t even know the names of our neighbors, let alone are able to borrow a cup of sugar from them. Many of us hope that no one talks to us as we head outside to get the mail and then attempt to scurry back inside with maybe an obligatory wave to that person whose name we should know.

While social distancing has prevented gatherings with those who don’t live with us, a lot of people are now spending time outside in their neighborhoods going on walks and bike rides or even gardening or sitting on the front porch. For some, this might have been the first time they have ever seen their neighbors. Although these interactions may not be significant, there is an awareness of life, of community, of people all around us facing this pandemic. We are not alone. There are “hellos” and “waves” and even a bit of chitchat from six feet apart. It seems as though there is now a social norm that expects this friendly interaction, given the situation.

After the distancing restrictions lift and people head back to their jobs and schools, will the friendly behavior continue? Will young people see the value of talking to their neighbors?

Hyperconnection

While there are opportunities for most people during isolation to interact with those in their households and even their neighbors, the lack of ability to connect with friends, coworkers, classmates, and other family members has been challenging. But, thanks to technology, video chatting has become a staple of what it takes to keep those connections alive.

Most in Generation Z have been comfortable and savvy with technology since they were toddlers. Members of this hyperconnected generation, with their phones only an arm’s length away, are able to easily jump onto any number of apps and platforms to keep those relationships alive.

But, is “Zooming,” for example, really the key to unlock our connections during social distancing? Perhaps. But, can we experience video fatigue? Yes. And, our young people are feeling it a lot. Imagine having gone to school in-person your entire life and now, with no real transition, spending 7 to 8 hours a day on a video chat, virtually moving from one class to the next without ever getting out of a chair? Ben Harms, director of insights and strategy from Archrival told Teen Vogue, “All the Zoom parties, Instagram Lives, FaceTime calls — is just not enough. They’re really eager to reconnect with friends in the real world.” Without in-person interactions, many just feel isolated.

But, even before social distancing moved us to video chatting in nearly every arena of our lives, many in Generation Z had expressed concern that their hyperconnectivity may get in the way of developing critical interpersonal skills. In our 2017 study, we found that many worry that in the future, they won’t be able to strike up an in-person conversation or read body language because they will have spent too much time using technology instead of interacting face-to-face. One Gen Zer noted, “I am afraid that no one will go out for lunch and talk like normal people anymore. Instead, they will just FaceTime or Skype while they eat take-out at home.” With social distancing now, this scenario seems to be the norm.

Given that this generation prefers face-to-face communication, their lack of practice to date, and their lack of practice now provides a challenge for them in learning the savvy it takes to engage in-person with others. Perhaps the close quarters that many in Generation Z are living in will give them the opportunity to engage in skill-building around interpersonal dynamics.

And, after distancing restrictions are lifted, the notion of being “zoomed out” may be the impetus for many young people to put down their devices more often and take advantage of the opportunity to connect in-person with others.

Continue reading the remainder of articles in this series:

1. How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever
2. The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
3. The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
4. The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
5. The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
6. The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People-you are reading this article

The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Although we might be feeling a sense of isolation now as we stay home and tend to ourselves, the reality is that we are still far more interdependent than we may realize. Whether we are keeping certain businesses afloat with our purchases or inspiring others with our social media posts, we are impacting each other. As there may be many cases of interdependence to draw from, this era seems to be marked by two distinct examples, each with very different motives and outcomes. These include panic buying and volunteerism, and for both, their effects are far-reaching. How will these behaviors affect the perceptions of Generation Z (born 1995–2010) today and in years to come?

Panic Buying

Consider that while most supply chains have not stopped, many people have entered into this time period with a scarcity mentality, buying an excessive amount of products while leaving the shelves empty for others. People are hoarding toilet paper, hair dye, pasta, and hand sanitizer. Perhaps hair dye is in short supply because salons are closed and people are dying their own hair. And, the same may apply to hand sanitizer as use increases. But, how do you explain toilet paper or pasta? This panic buying is based on the notion that people are creating today’s version of a bomb shelter. And, when individuals believe something is in short supply, they are bound to want to buy it.

This behavior is similar to that which occurred during World War I where people were asked to volunteer to ration foods, doing so through efforts like Meatless Tuesdays and Wheatless Wednesdays. By the time World War II came along and rationing was again instituted, the government stepped in with a voucher system using ration books to ensure that people were not getting more than their fair share.

But, unlike a threat from a known perpetrator in which communities band together, a virus may be seen more as a personal, rather than community, threat where people have to protect themselves as individuals. They then end up hoarding essential goods in the event a shortage were to occur (which ironically causes shortages). But, hoarding has also resulted in a black market effect today where some people are profiting from reselling crucial items well over market value. And, in this case, the government isn’t instituting any limitations on rationing; only some stores are. Thus, the hoarding continues.

So, where does Generation Z fit in? Some media outlets have pointed to Baby Boomers as the primary hoarders. This may be due to their oftentimes better overall financial footing, which would allow them to buy $200 worth of toilet paper at a time. And, since most in Generation Z were already living at home or temporarily moved back as young adults, it makes sense that they aren’t the primary shoppers and thus are less likely hoarding; however, their caregivers might be. And, those older Gen Zers in the workforce are likely not experiencing the peak earnings of their careers quite yet, leaving less discretionary income for many of them to hoard. But, just because they might not be hoarding as much doesn’t mean that they aren’t exposed to a hoarding mentality. This “subscription” generation, which has preferred renting instead of buying, may have a change of tone after this pandemic as they realize the dangers of not having critical items in times of need. Will this generation forego a big purchase in the future and instead fill the pantry with canned goods? Or will they temper the need for excess and help recalibrate purchasing practices for us all?

Volunteerism and Giving

While it is easy to think of just doom and gloom during this time, there is a remarkable resurgence of sacrifice and giving. Institutions and businesses are redirecting services, volunteering time and equipment, and donating items.

And, people are still giving money. For example, Arizona Gives Day, which has been around since 2013 raising money for nonprofit organizations, had record-breaking dollars donated, raising nearly twice as much in April 2020 than it did in April 2019.

Healthcare workers and first responders are risking their health and safety and putting in overtime hours, and everyday people are giving their time and skills. Although young people may not have access to the same resources or have developed extensive skillsets to volunteer, they are still stepping up. They are making masks on their 3-D printers, creating public service announcements for young people about COVID-19, and grocery shopping for elderly people.

Given the nature of community participation right now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Generation Z, the “We” generation, continue to engage in their communities as they grow older. But, as this generation tends to favor social change over providing short-term service, being able to see gaps in the social structure during this crisis may be incredibly informative for them as they determine the causes they care about most. Might some be exposed to the issue of food insecurity for the first time, either through experiencing it or witnessing it? Could some feel compelled to fight for economic justice and a fair wage after seeing how many people were living on the financial brink and then plummeting into dire situations? Or might it be that some see the issue of affordable and accessible healthcare as a primary platform they want to take on? Exposure to these issues in a real tangible way may reinforce the need for volunteerism but also might pivot these young people into career paths and political engagement to take on major reform around issues they are passionate about.

This generation is witnessing individualistic behaviors in the form of hoarding at the same time as collectivistic behaviors in the form of giving. But, hopefully, young people see that while it is important to have necessities, ensuring everyone’s safety, wellbeing, and prosperity are key to addressing the social issues they care about so deeply.

Continue reading the remainder of articles in this series:

1. How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever
2. The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
3. The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
4. The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
5. The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People-you are reading this article
6. The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People

The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Much has been researched and discussed about young people’s mental health. This isn’t surprising given their high rates of anxiety and depression and extremely high levels of stress, worry, and concern among Generation Z (born 1995–2010). How might what is occurring with both the pandemic and the response impact Generation Z now and in the future? Will this experience affect their perception of grief and loss? Will they continue to feel a sense of fear and vulnerability?

Grief and Loss

With mass numbers of the infected and relatively high mortality rates, there are countless people experiencing grief and loss. Young people, among everyone, are losing parents and loved ones to a disease with no cure; and the lucky ones, whose family members are spared, may have also had to witness them suffering from sickness or being quarantined away …fearing their impending death. And, young people are also getting sick. Thus, the invincibility of youth isn’t protecting them from being victims themselves. This fear of getting sick or having a loved one get sick is a heavy burden to bear, especially for young people who may never have experienced this type of trauma.

In addition, there is anxiety around the impact of social distancing measures on the functioning of society. Before the pandemic, many older Gen Zers were already expressing concern over money and a worry about world issues. This doesn’t bode well for coming of age during a major global crisis, which has resulted in a declining economy.

Lost Opportunities

On a day-to-day level, young people from elementary to college students are adjusting to having their classes delivered online and living an entirely new routine. Students are missing commencements, important student activities, study abroad experiences, sports seasons, school performances, and student employment opportunities. And, all of these were cut short with little to no notice, leaving them no closure on these important milestones.

But, it’s not just about missing experiences; it’s about losing opportunities that will never come again. For instance, a high school senior who misses a final sports season may lose an opportunity to earn a scholarship, resulting in perhaps not being able to go to college at all. College students who took out loan debt may now have a lifetime of payments for the credits they earned but will have missed the traditional collegiate experience they paid for. And, many college seniors who were anticipating an entrance into a career field that they spent years studying for are now laid off before work even begins. Although these examples may seem to pale in comparison to illness and death, intense feelings of loss and grief are not bound to what others deem the most significant.

Effects of the Pandemic

While there have been several interesting unintended consequences of the response to the pandemic, such as a reduction in carbon emissions or unexpected wildlife roaming in urban areas, another, more stark, result has been a drop in crime worldwide. For example, March 2020 marked the very first March in 18 years in which there were no school shootings. That may not be surprising in that most schools were closed; but, it is a likely welcome relief to the many in Generation Z who feared going to school because of the potential for a mass shooting to occur. However, gun sales that same month hit record numbers, being the second-highest ever, fanning the fears that gun violence may increase after the lockdowns. Will those in Generation Z be emotionally ready to return to a physical site for school after feeling the safety and security of staying home with families?

Another issue that may result in living through the pandemic, for everyone, is contending with the silent perpetrator: an unseen virus. While we will likely end up with a vaccine and treatment for COVID-19, there will be more viruses in the future. Now that people know that they can get sick from day-to-day actions, will they behave differently? An older person who is accustomed to shaking hands with people may simply go back to shaking hands. But, young people who probably shook very few hands in their lifetimes may see that gesture as not just an outdated nicety but also a dangerous and risky move.

And, what about concerts, sporting events, parades, festivals, and even graduation ceremonies? Will young people ever want to be in a crowd again? They may readily gather with their small group of friends after the pandemic passes. But, will they go to big events? Maybe not…at least for a while.

Will they choose to travel after learning not just how unsafe it can be but how misleading many travel companies had been in protecting the safety of travelers? Or, will they become savvier consumers, researching information on their own to make decisions about event attendance based on the presumptive risk?

How might the grief, loss, fear, and vulnerability that young people experience today impact them in the future? Like Millennials with 9/11, there was certainly evidence of effects after-the-fact. Will this be even more pronounced with Generation Z today given that this pandemic has not been marked by one traumatic event but instead by recurring trauma, taking place everywhere at the same time with no end in sight? And, as a more realistic than optimistic generation, will this be fodder for them to proceed through their lives feeling a dark cloud is always above? Or will this massive crisis lead to a generation of resilience whose members can harken back to a time in history that they survived, like Gen Zer, Lydia Lee, points out?

While we cannot be sure what is to come, as we weren’t until well after 9/11 with Millennials, we can at least know the right questions to ask and the behaviors to watch for to provide the best support to a generation coming of age during a pandemic.

Continue reading the remainder of articles in this series:

1. How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever
2. The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
3. The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
4. The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People-you are reading this article
5. The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
6. The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People

The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In an attempt to address and mitigate the pandemic, along with the measures put in place to slow the spread, nearly the entire global economy is at a standstill. With the exception of companies like Walmart, Amazon, or Zoom, business is far from booming. Most are limiting services or are shut down altogether. The collective impact is grand, but the individual effect on personal economies is staggering as well. Those living with little earnings or little savings are stretched to the brink, worrying about day-to-day expenses just to live and be safe. And, for Generation Z (born 1995–2010), this is quite stark. Their concerns around finances and worry about economic instability are certainly pronounced now as they witness individuals clamoring for any financial relief they can get.

Employment

Consider, that many older members of Generation Z have no idea where their income will be coming from. Unemployment numbers are similar to those that occurred during the Great Depression, and a disproportionately higher number of young people have lost their jobs. Not only are younger people in entry-level, retail, and hospitality jobs, which have been cut, many of those planning to launch their careers in other industries are facing downsized organizations with hiring freezes.

While many are being laid off, furloughed, or just not yet employed, perhaps the gig economy, which was already an interest for 81% of Gen Zers, becomes a more permanent viable draw for this young generation. Those who end up doing contract work to get by now may find that they simply stay in the freelance economy once employment opportunities resurface, either because they enjoy it or have built their own brand and business.

Education

Even those who are not fully in the job market yet are being exposed to alternatives in education and work that could shape the economy for years to come. Generation Z students, both those living at home and older ones sheltering-in-place with family, are spending countless hours in front of a computer screen for schoolwork. Will this generation relish in the eventual move back to in-person schooling or will there be a newfound interest in online education? While many Generation Z kids miss the in-person interaction with and attention from their teachers, many enjoy having the flexibility of online learning where they can direct their own work and take breaks as needed. At the college level, there is speculation that we may see a rise in Gen Zers taking online classes. Those who may have been hesitant before have now been thrust into mandatory distance learning where they may have come to realize that it is not as anxiety provoking as once thought. Given this rise in exposure to online education, it seems plausible that this generation may be drawn to remote work in the future for the same reasons they like it as students.

Financial Decision-Making

Known as the recession kids, this generation has now been privy to two significant economic downturns, making the notion of an unpredictable economy and unstable stock market more on the normal side. Does this fiscally conservative generation want to take a chance on a new job that may have less security in the face of a recession or risk their future savings or retirement funds in a volatile stock market?

If we thought Generation Z was risk-averse before, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make conservative economic decisions while keeping money in the coffers for all the future crises they see looming.

Continue reading the remainder of articles in this series:

1. How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever
2. The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
3. The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People-you are reading this article
4. The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
5. The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
6. The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People

The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A vast number of those in Generation Z (born 1995–2010) had expressed discontent, distrust, and disengagement with politics even before the pandemic. And, many believe leaders are corrupt, greedy, and unethical. But, their view of political leaders seems to assume a homogenous and monolithic leader regardless of position, geography, or level. With the pandemic response in the U.S., there have been varying opinions and approaches of leaders between the federal and local levels. Will Generation Z see a differentiation between local and national leaders? Will their perceptions of leadership change and/or be reinforced by those leaders’ responses? And, will this experience shape the extent they trust the government in the future?

Trust

Many in Generation Z acknowledge having a high trust for adults, especially those closest to them. However, they are also quick to distrust “fake news.” The push and pull of the political versus the health response with COVID-19 has been telling. Whose guidance should we trust? Should we wear masks? Will a particular drug combat symptoms? And, further, between the initial news that discussed young people having lower rates of infection than adults and the false assurances from spring break companies that there were no risks posed if traveling with them, it is easy to see how those in Generation Z might just not know what or who to believe. Perhaps in the future, these young people may be even more skeptical of political responses and seek out scientists and experts instead.

Political Leanings

As a generation already concerned about the economy, healthcare, jobs, and security, COVID-19 has certainly given many of them a reason to amp up their support for policies around universal health care, living wages and universal basic income, and preparedness for future global crises through investment in research and scientific advancement. While this generation skews far to the left politically, will their policy beliefs create an impetus for them to show up and vote? And, is the silencing of the democratic primary process pulling Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, out of the spotlight? Will Bernie Sanders’ quiet end to his candidacy leave left-leaning young people without a clear transition to Biden? And, will their experience from this era shape their voting behavior for years to come?

There are also a number of those in Generation Z that situate themselves in the middle, politically. So, for those who were on the fence about their candidate of choice, how might their support or lack of support for the president’s response influence who they vote for?

But, with colleges closed, many voter registration drives have stopped, and campus polling locations have now disappeared. For those young people who do end up aligning with a candidate of choice, if they aren’t able to vote by mail, where will they vote?

Continue reading the remainder of articles in this series:

1. How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever
2. The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People-you are reading this article
3. The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
4. The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
5. The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
6. The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People

The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Each generation has at least one big event…a life-changing, read it in the history books, type of event. And, while all members of living generations at the time experience this event, they do so differently based on their stage of life.

For example, young people in the G.I. generation were growing up around the time of World War I, the Spanish Flu, and later, the Depression. The Silent Generation was faced with World War II and later, the Cold War. The Baby Boomers were confronted with Vietnam and the Space Race. Gen Xers dealt with the Challenger explosion, AIDS crisis, and Gulf War. Millennials grew up with 9/11 and entered the workforce during the 2008 global recession.

Until now, few critical events seemed to emerge as those most prominent during the adolescence and young adulthood of those in Generation Z (born 1995–2010). The first was the 2016 election and change of party in the White House. The second was the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Both resulted in social and political effects. But, it seems like perhaps COVID-19 and the response to the pandemic will have farther-reaching and longer-lasting impacts, given its magnitude.

But, aren’t we all experiencing this global pandemic? Yes, but we are experiencing it differently based on our stage of life. For example, those over 65 are likely focusing on their health, combatting loneliness, and trying to figure out how to get basic necessities; all while watching their retirement savings fluctuate in the stock market. Those in mid-life are likely concentrating on schooling their children and caregiving for their own parents while working from home, going to work, or contending with unemployment. These differentiators are what Pew refers to as the Cohort Effect.

However, there is another phenomenon at play here; the events that take place during one’s adolescence and young adulthood can impact how they perceive and interact with the world as they age. While many older individuals are realizing that this pandemic will likely lead to a “new normal,” young people may simply see this as “normal.”

Although there are critiques around analyzing the effects of societal events on generational cohorts (mostly due to focusing on only one variable: age), this argument can be said of studying other groups by a singular demographic like gender, race, religion, etc. Demographic studies are not only common practice but also highly informative for providing insight, services, and policies to specific groups of people. Thus, understanding experiences young people have during a crisis can be incredibly telling for how they might best be supported.

So, the question is, how might the COVID-19 pandemic era impact young people now and in the future?

To get a clearer idea of the impact, we can learn a lot by looking at how 9/11 affected young Millennials at the time. While 9/11 and the COVID-19 crisis are different, there are some stark similarities. They are both large-scale disasters, which researchers say can “heighten individuals’ feelings of threat, vulnerability, and suspicion of others.” With terrorist attacks, “it is difficult to identify when the worst is over and things can be expected to improve.” One could argue that a pandemic might mirror this same sentiment given there is no definitive end in sight.

During 9/11, many young people lost loved ones or witnessed challenging recoveries of survival. While we are only in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, some children have already lost parents, friends, and family members, and many more have witnessed their loved ones being ill, with no assurance that they would recover. In a recent study conducted by the brand agency, Archrival, Ben Harms, director of insights and strategy shared in an interview with Teen Vogue, “It’s almost as if this generation will have a sense of collective PTSD [from COVID-19].”

While researchers have found that the initial emotional and psychological distress experienced by kids after 9/11 faded as time went on, other studies have found the effects of 9/11 on kids were longer lasting. Older youth, in particular, were able to imagine the possibility of a similar future event occurring, eliciting psychological responses to that fear. Similarly, young people today may more readily fear a future pandemic despite older folks considering this experience as a once-in-a-lifetime event. Archrival’s Ben Harms pointed out that many young people, “wonder if they’ll ever get over the idea that everything could fall apart in a moment.”

The socio-political effects of the pandemic on young people may also be staggering.

For example, 9/11 elicited prejudice and acts of discrimination toward people from the Middle East, which didn’t sit well with young people at the time. As a result, Millennials developed a higher respect for diversity, varying religious viewpoints, and immigration along with a desire for strong global relations and cultural competence. Today, COVID-19 is drawing out bias toward Asians and Asian-Americans. How will this sit with social justice-minded Generation Z, the “most racially diverse generation to date?”

Also, 9/11 garnered a strong governmental response that scaled back civil liberties to combat terrorism. This created skepticism among many Millennials who were wary of some of these efforts, especially those that targeted specific groups of people. Will today’s social distancing to flatten the curve be seen by Generation Z like Millennials who became skeptical of curbing civil liberties in the name of collective safety? Or is this scenario different because we are all potential victims of the virus and are all being asked to follow the same guidelines?

In addition, after 9/11, Millennials experienced an increase in patriotism, which resulted in high levels of volunteerism. How will the service and philanthropic efforts of everyday people during the pandemic impact Generation Z’s civic participation, given their interest in social change?

While we won’t know the after-effects of the COVID-19 era on Generation Z likely until far into the future, we can look to recent history to better understand the impact of other traumatic events on young people while considering what we already know about Generation Z’s perspectives. There are five critical areas to consider: Political, Economic, Psychological, Sociological, and Social. Each subsequent article details these perspectives, with the aim to provide insight into how this pandemic may shape Generation Z now and in the future.

Continue reading the remainder of articles in this series:

1. How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever-you are reading this article
2. The Political Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
3. The Economic Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
4. The Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
5. The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on Young People
6. The Social Effects of COVID-19 on Young People

How COVID-19 Could Change a Generation Forever was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Written by Meghan Grace and Dr. Corey Seemiller.

While flattening the curve will require effort from everyone, each generation has strengths that can help guide them through this pandemic. For example, some believe that Gen X has been preparing for this situation their entire lives, as many were “latchkey kids” who often kept themselves occupied while home alone. And, the White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator recently noted that Millennials will be the generation who can lead the fight against the coronavirus because of their digital savvy to stay connected virtually. But, we can also learn a lot from Generation Z youth, teens, and young adults (born 1995–2010). From relationships and learning to entertainment and giving back, how Generation Z navigates the world might provide ideas and inspiration to the rest of us in dealing with this crisis.

Relationships

In a time of uncertainty and physical distancing, we are all likely craving interpersonal relationships and connections. But, Generation Z has been managing social relationships from a distance for much of their lives. One in four even has a friend from social media that they would have to travel by plane to see in person. It’s not surprising then that those in Generation Z believe that having shared values is more important for developing and fostering friendships than proximity. The ways in which Generation Z has grown up, with unparalleled access to technology and social media, can serve as an example for how we can all, regardless of age, engage in physical, but not emotional, distancing during this time.

Here are some ways to keep the connection during physical distancing.

• Make a purposeful effort to reach out to at least one family member, friend, or old coworker you may not have spoken with in a while to connect or reconnect around the things that matter.
• In addition to messaging and phone, consider connecting with others on video chat, through apps like FaceTime, Zoom, or Marco Polo.
• Engage in meaningful interactions virtually. For example, consider setting up a book club that meets through video chat. Watch the same TV show or movie that a friend is watching and debrief after. Exchange photos of your latest kitchen masterpiece with other avid bakers and chefs. Do a workout with others while on a video chat. Or, even exchange daily selfie videos with others, sharing something interesting from your day.

Information

Members of Generation Z, born in 1995, the same year as the commercialization of the Internet, are often referred to as Digital Natives. They have grown up with access to nearly infinite amounts of information. With content on websites, blogs, videos, and social media posts multiplying at rates we can’t even keep up with, many older individuals, in particular, have stressed with this generation the importance of information literacy, critical consumption, and just plain source checking.

While educators, parents, and others have emphasized its significance with those in Generation Z, us older individuals haven’t done much ourselves to be our own critical consumers of information. Many people engage in confirmation bias, where they seek out information that supports their existing worldviews and discount other information that does not readily align. It’s important to note then that our personal vetting of a network or news source doesn’t mean that everything shared by that one source is accurate and credible while everything from an alternative source is “fake news.” We should take a page from our lessons for Gen Z and practice becoming more hypercritical of the information we are consuming.

Below are some ideas to enhance our critical consumption of information.

• Because different people have different opinions of how the pandemic and its response are unfolding, commit to watching and reading news stories from a variety of sources, especially those with different partisan followings.
• With critical news emerging minute-by-minute and people finding creative ways to fill their time at home, it would not be surprising if people were glued to social media. Although some posts have links to credible content, not every social media post contains valid sources of information. Resources like politifact.com, snopes.com, or factcheck.org are great ways to confirm claims made on social media and other sites.
• Make sure to seek out original sources to help determine the integrity of the content. For digital news stories, in particular, any quality article will hyperlink to the original sources. And, you’d be surprised as to how often the data is not represented entirely or even accurately in a secondary-source publication.
• In a time of information overload and high stress, it will be essential to look to experts to share accurate information. Tune in to people who have the background and expertise to offer an informed opinion.
• And, in terms of information overload, make sure to take breaks from the constant barrage of news. While it is important to stay up-to-date, the sheer amount of news available on the pandemic can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing.

Learning

Many in Generation Z like both digital learning and self-learning, which fares well for what the Internet offers. However, the vast majority of members of this generation also like face-to-face connection. Thus, synchronous online learning can be a good blend for many of them.

For those Gen Zers who have the resources and digital know-how, the switch to digital learning, as many K-12 and higher education institutions are now doing, may not be as stark for them as it is for older individuals. These students are the same young people who have been swiping tablets since they were toddlers and now have their own YouTube channels, connect through FaceTime, and record TikToks. Some may know their way around a variety of digital platforms far better than many in older generations who are being asked to use them for remote work.

As we continue to engage in virtual learning, here are some ideas to help enhance digital savviness.

• If using new technology makes you nervous, just play around with it until it feels more comfortable and familiar. Zoom with your partner; video chat with a neighbor; play an online game with a friend.
• If you can’t figure out how to do something tech-related, do what Gen Z would do. Just YouTube it. People have made instructional videos for more things than you can imagine. So, if you need to connect your wireless printer, install a program on your laptop, or check out a digital library book, head to YouTube for step-by-step video tutorials. And, YouTube doesn’t just have instructional videos about technology. Learn to paint, code, or do a home repair from YouTube contributors .
• Consider signing up for a free online course or webinar. Not only can you learn a new subject matter or skill, but you can also get acquainted with and comfortable with various online learning platforms.
• And, for those of you who can’t seem to figure out how to “unmute” yourself when talking on Zoom, maybe ask a Gen Zer for help.

Entertainment

While we might not be able to meet up with friends, go to a fitness class, or attend an event in-person these days, it isn’t impossible to stay entertained. Some may say that Gen Zers are glued to their smartphones, but because of this, they have found many ways to use their devices to combat boredom.

Here are some ways we can use our personal devices to stay entertained.

• Because 88% of Gen Zers report having access to streaming platforms, they are no strangers to bingeing their favorite shows. So, catch up on an old favorite or start watching a new release. If you don’t have any streaming services, consider one of the many free ones available.
• Live streaming, which allows viewers to watch a video in real-time, is a great way to stay in tune with current happenings. For instance, many artists have been live streaming performances while social distancing. DJ DNice has been throwing dance parties on Instagram Live, and even Elton John hosted a “Living Room Concert for America,” featuring musicians like Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato, and Tim McGraw playing from their own homes. So stay tuned, your favorite artist might be bringing a concert to your very own living room, virtually of course.
• While Instagram and YouTube have been among Gen Z’s favorite video platforms, TikTok has also emerged as a go-to place for video entertainment. Gen Z alone makes up 41% of the platform’s users. From humor and life hacks to dancing and lip-syncing, TikTok is a place for users to create and watch short videos. So, head to TikTok to learn the newest dance challenge, watch a video just for laughs, or even create your own short clip for others to see.
• Video gaming has grown in recent years, with more people, including 90% of Gen Zers, identifying as gamers. But, video games aren’t just played on consoles. Smartphones and hand-held gaming systems, like the Nintendo Switch, offer a way to take gaming on-the-go. So, whether you dust off that old Atari or Nintendo or borrow a Gen Zer’s hand-held system, try out video gaming as a way to keep entertained.
• Social gaming offers the opportunity to play a video game with others from a distance in real-time. While some gamers may gravitate towards online games like Fortnite, others are taking traditional games, like Monopoly, and playing virtually over video. If you can’t have all your family and friends over for a game night, host a digital event through video chat so your loved ones can tune in and play together.
• Despite the proliferation of technology, young people are still reading for fun (and some even at higher rates than those in older age brackets). Consider pulling out a favorite from your bookshelf or accessing e-books through your local library or a free online site.

The “We” Mentality

A vast majority of those in Generation Z embrace a “We” mentality, which focuses on caring about collective over individual needs. Many of them care deeply about others and want to make the world a better place. It might not seem like it with so much press covering Gen Z not taking the pandemic seriously. But, young people appear to be shifting those sentiments after learning more information about their ability to be asymptomatic carriers and that they are actually not immune. It’s not surprising then that 74% of Gen Zers are now practicing social distancing, one of the most significant actions we have all been called to do in order to make a difference.

We are seeing evidence of people of all generations contributing to make a difference — whether it is medical professionals and first responders on the front lines, teachers trying to move to online instruction, parents homeschooling their kids, or workers putting their personal health at risk to staff essential roles. Even some in Gen Z are doing their part. Take 14-year-old, Dylan Capshaw, for example, who printed protective masks on his 3D printer when he learned of the shortage. Kids in New York who have been chalk painting inspirational messages on sidewalks to bring smiles to those out taking walks. And teens in Maine who created a public service announcement called “Protect Nana,” to create awareness among other young people about COVID-19.

Supporting this “We” mentality, here are other things we can all do to help:

• Loneliness during social distancing can be incredibly challenging. Connect frequently with those folks who may be alone.
• Support your favorite local businesses by purchasing gift cards online.
• Donate money to nonprofit groups; many are trying to survive and provide critical social services. With the new CARES bill, there is now an opportunity to take a tax deduction for making a one-time $300 above-the-line charitable contribution to a qualifying nonprofit organization. This even applies to those taking the standard deduction.
• Contribute expertise and resources. If you have a small business or some type of skill set, give away free services to those who need them.
• And, most importantly, before you engage in behaviors of a “virus rebel,” which is someone who goes against public health advice, consider that staying home and washing your hands might be the most important ways you can make a difference.

As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of people around the world, we are called to go about life differently than we’re used to. But, many in Generation Z have already been doing so, using innovative ways to stay connected, informed, and entertained. So, perhaps now is the time we follow their lead.

This article was written and edited in collaboration with Dr. Corey Seemiller. To find out more about Generation Z, visit thegenzhub.com.

What We’ve Learned from Gen Z:  Staying Connected, Informed, and Entertained During the Pandemic was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Generation Z was the first name I heard used, but that is not the sole reason for my opinion. Sure, the name Generation Z might not be creative as this group follows Generation X (born 1965–1980) and Generation Y (born 1980–1995. Generation Y ended up shedding their “letter name” and are now more commonly known as Millennials). Some would even argue that Millennials shaking Generation Y is exactly why we shouldn’t call Generation Z by this name.

My biggest reason for advocating for the name Generation Z has nothing to do with creativity or clever play on words. I use the name Generation Z because it does not solely focus on a singular aspect of the societal context in which they grew up.

Take the name the Homeland Generation for instance. This refers to the impacts of 9/11 and the threats to homeland security that have and will continue to have on this generation. 9/11 had monumental impacts on Americans of all ages (even those not born at the time) and people around the world. Almost any American alive at the time can likely tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when it happened. 9/11 is a pivotal event that has made an impact on this generation, but it is not the only event to do so. A name like the Homeland Generation suggests that threats to homeland security are the most prominent influence on this generation.

Names like digital natives or iGen evoke similar thoughts. These names put a predominant focus on one aspect of this generation: their use of technology. iGen narrows in on their use of smartphones, specifically iPhones. It alludes that the advent of the iPhone is the most pivotal aspect of this generation. It also suggests that all members of Generation Z can afford an iPhone, which is typically a pricey piece of technology. Not to deny that this group of young people heavily uses smartphones, but to reduce their cohort name to echo a single piece of technology would be like calling the Baby Boomers the “TV Generation” or Generation X the “Desktop Generation.” If we focus their name on the technology they use, we’ll begin to fixate our understanding of them similarly. I say this to every group that I speak with: There is so much more to Generation Z than the technology they use. If anything, we should be more impressed with how they use technology. To Generation Z, their smartphones and technology are not distractions, but seen as tools that help them navigate a growingly complex world that is lived both in-person and online.

9/11 and technological advances have played major contributing roles in shaping the world Generation Z grew up in. However, we cannot put a singular aspect of this context above another to gain a full and robust understanding of Generation Z. There is much more braided into the societal fabric that has shaped and influenced Generation Z. Comprehensively recognizing the context of Generation Z will help us better understand their characteristics, motivations, behaviors, and aspirations. There is much to be learned about this incredibly intelligent, driven, compassionate group of people. Stay tuned…

Originally published at https://www.meghanmgrace.com on September 13, 2017.

Hello, My Name Is…Generation Z. was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

It seems like just yesterday that we were introduced to those elusive Millennials. They have come to college, gone into the workforce, and many are now well into their careers. Every time we turn around, there is an article on Millennials. For example, Google the word, Millennials, and you will find more than 18 million hits. But, we have crossed over a threshold in which a new generation has come into adulthood, and it seems like there is less buzz about them. They have been called Generation iY, Digital Natives, and even iGen, a take on Apple products. But, more often they are referred to as Generation Z. So, who is Generation Z?

Being that Generation Z is backed up against the Millennial generation, it might be easy to expect them to be similar. They are, however, quite different in many respects. Those in Generation Z identify as loyal and responsible as well as thoughtful and compassionate. They see the world’s problems as theirs to solve and approach life in a we-centric manner. This veers a bit from what we have seen from Millennials who, like Generation Z, care deeply about giving back to the community but do so in short bursts of intense volunteerism rather than how Generation Z prefers to engage with the community by addressing root causes of social ills.

Generation Z is fairly moderate in their political beliefs. They lean center to left on social issues, yet center to right on economic issues. They care deeply about personal freedom, so expect for them to want to increase access and rights for underrepresented groups while vying for reduced government regulation. This may result in them looking more Libertarian than anything.

In addition, Generation Z likes to work independently rather than in groups. Their self-directed learning style and access to information make it easy to find out answers on their own. They are connected but see that as a technology term rather than one of collaboration. This connection they have with friends through text and social media creates ample opportunities to put their lives in the spotlight. Differing from their Millennial counterparts who enjoy sharing intimate life details on Facebook, Generation Z is quite private and won’t post nearly as much as they read.

Generation Z is coming of age and those of us in older generations have a lot to learn so we can best leverage what these amazing young adults have to offer in our schools, homes, communities, and workplaces. Read more in Generation Z Goes to College, available on Amazon and check out www.genzgoestocollege.com for more information.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.

Who is Generation Z? was originally published in The Gen Z Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.