In 2019, Gen Z became the largest generation constituting 32 per cent of the global population – or 2.47 billion of the 7.7 billion people on Earth. Constituting minors largely, the cohort also endorses fresh adults ready to swing their pendulum of opinions and be at the forefront of the changing world. Born during the digital revolution, this iGeneration or Digital Natives has already been pushed to the precipice of answering the exigencies of our inchoate future arising from the corrupt human agency.
Our modern world has never been so monotonic. Common masses were never as polarized and yet, so aggregated as before; truth was never spoken with a thrust as was the false before. The world exists now in sharp contrasts and the myriad opinions and beliefs swirling around determine the sagacity of Gen Z. Inquisitive and active, the moves of this generation are always heeded for they play a much crucial role in the larger landscape. Surmounted by the societal disarray, political foul play and intrusions, gendered practices, economic inequality, institutionalised religion, threatening ecological imbalance, climbing stereotypes and degenerating mental well-being, Gen Z lay vested with the powers either to turn the world upside-down or to reach the new heights of civilization.
Duressed with the task of making right choices, Gen Z ends up with a conflict of interest often within themselves or sometimes with the older generations. Their reaction to various propagandas, schemes, events and ideological standpoints are often diverse but when their reason and intellect becomes the driving force, they stand on the common ground as a whole, making efforts to have their voices heard. Besides having a leading edge, Gen Z may also be inexperienced and ignorant, many a times, following the conformist ideals without calling out the unjust doings. In such cases, they can either bear the brunt of their inertness or benefit from the fructuous responses to the immediate matter in the long run.
The most distinctive character of Gen Z is that they highly believe in voicing their opinions – right or wrong. This is one of the reasons why the society at large looks up to them as a vehicle of change and reform. They can stir a rebellion merely with a click on their electronic devices. But instead of looking ahead to a world of opportunities, Gen Z now peers into an uncertain future. Separated through ideologies, strategies, beliefs and attitudes, the overt statement is that the whole generation can sense the underlying colossal tension and a potential threat to the peaceful world order, and that the responsibility to revive or foster the rebirth of a dignified modern existence rests on their shoulders.
Moving towards adulthood with mostly a liberal set of attitudes and openness to emerging social trends, Gen Z is climbing the social ladder progressively while responding widely to the day-to-day happenings. Though the individuals from this generation report mental health concern and social anxiety largely, they are leaving no stones unturned to work for a better future for all by showing up as social workers, activists, founders and volunteers, especially for a cause of charity on a regular basis, beating the earlier generations in generosity and participation. Questioning, dissenting, reforming- this creative generation is learning to reach out better via creating and sharing various forms of arts which inspire positive changes in all the realms of life. Often alleged with self-absorption, Gen Z is actually making momentous efforts if seen through their modern lens. Their ideas and efforts are like a breath of fresh air waiting for a new dawn of renaissance. Now that Gen Z has taken the centre stage, it would definitely be worth a show when the curtains rise.
Samra Ejaz is a student pursuing English Literature from Jamia Millia Islamia.
Edited by: Nuzhat Khan
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Jamia Review or its members.
