Who is Generation Z?

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.