What is “Generation Z“?

There emerged a generation of influencers known as Gen Z. Who belong to this Gen Z? This
is my generation and all others born from 1995 to 2010 or we are typically labelled as the “true
digital natives”. We, Gen Zers have been exposed to the acronym, ISM which stands for internet,
social networks and mobile systems. Based on a surveys, our search for truth has been the basis
of the four cores of the Gen Z behaviors which are as follows: (1) We value individual
expression and avoids labels. (2) We mobilize ourselves for a variety of causes. (3) We believe
profoundly in the efficacy of dialogue to solve conflicts and improve the world. (4) We make
decisions and relate to institutions in a highly analytical and pragmatic way. For us Gen Zers, the
keypoint is not to define ourselves through only one stereotype but rather for us to experiment
with different ways of being ourselves and to shape our individual identities over time. We are
simply the “identity nomads.”
Gen Z Entrepreneurs?
Even though many Gen Zers are still expected to be students, there are others who are now
entrepreneurs because some has skip college to pursue their dreams but are mostly engaged in
the internet business. Gen Z adopt the entrepreneurial mindset because of these three factors
namely: (a) the fragile teen employment market since the economy is weak and the job rates are
low push teens to start their own businesses instead of taking on a more typical entry-level job.
(b) the rise of peer-to-peer sites and apps wherein teens are taking full advantage of their
environment to monetize their knowledge and skills since many online and mobile platforms
enable them to easily find freelance work and connect with potential clients. (c) the ubiquity of
social media which created and promoted their own content, which has never been easier if not
for social media. Today, we, teens can easily establish our own YouTube channels and can write,
direct, produce, star in and can promote our own content. Bloggers and gamers are successful
and are known throughout the world.

TEENAGERS!?
Teenage is a developmental stage of a person’s life before maturity (although sometimes not
fully). It is the stage wherein a person develops his personality specifically his potentials,
abilities and interests. Most of us teenagers (Gen Z) are making internet as a potter of our
identities. Anyone can easily identify us teenagers since most are still in high school and one
word that best describe as is “moody. As a teenager, the first waves of problems in life are
expereienced. Bullying, extreme stress, defiant behaviors, identity crisis, early pregrancy and
depression are the most common problems of teens, commonly caused by PEER PRESSURE.
Teens’ Problems
Peer pressure is a strong driving force leading to teenagers’ deviant behaviors. Peer pressure
as the term implies is applicable to teens who socialize with other teens. How about those
introvert teens who don’t even care pleasing or living up with other people’s expectations? Does
it mean to say that are not pressured? Being adventurous also leads us to act not in conformity
with what is expected of us like what they always say, ”Curiosity kills a cat”. The ten most
common teen problems are: (1) Depression. Technology can account for the rise in mental
health problems. For instance, spending too much time on electronic devices prevent us from
engaging in sports or peer activities that may help ward off depression. We experience new
conditions like "fear of missing out" or the FOMO, which further leads to feelings of loneliness
and isolation.(2) Bullying. The rise of social media use among us teenagers has made bullying
much more public and more pervasive. Infact, cyber-bullying has replaced bullying as the
common type of harassment. (3) Sexual Activity may lead to teenage pregnancy among young
teenagers that will only add a burden to their parents. (4) Drug Use and Abuse. Marijuana,
shabu and ecstasy pills use exceeds cigarette use for teens now. (5) Alcohol Use . It may lead to
other problems like fighting, riots and a great misunderstanding.(6) Obesity. Aside from the fact
that overweight children are often targeted by bullies, obese kids also are at a much greater risk
of lifelong health problems, such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. This may also
lead to their struggle with body image issues or develop eating disorders as unhealthy way of
changing their appearance. (7) Peer Pressure While it is not a new issue but social media brings
it to a whole new level. For instance, more and more kids are being pressured into having sex,
doing drugs, and even bullying other kids because social media is expecting them to. (8)
Academic Problems. It is no longer just the "troubled teens" who are dropping out of school,
some teens feel so much pressure to get into a good college that they're burning themselves out
before graduating from high school. (9) Social Media. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be
great ways for teens to connect with one another; but social media can be problematic for several
reasons such as can exposing to cyberbullying, slut shaming among others. It can have a negative
impact on friendships and mental health.(10).On-Screen Violence. Teenagers are going to
witness some violent media at one time or another not just TV, music, and movies that depict
violence but much more from violent video games portraying gory scenes and disturbing acts of
aggression.

Solutions to Teens’ Problems

The solutions are (1 .Early Identification - Being vigilant towards, the changes in sleep
patterns, eating habits, declined interest in normal and healthy activities, dropping grades in
school and college, and preferred isolation are all early signs of depression may help to
block/stop further damage and guide them towards healthy ways of dealing with their concerns.
(2) Understanding Transition - Being sensitive towards teens and the fact that they are
exposed to a range of emotions is an important step in understanding their transition. Anger,
confusion, jealousy, non-compliant attitudes, dislike towards their parents or elders, secrecy/high
need for privacy etc. are few examples of emotions or feelings they have. Defiant behaviors
results from their inability to appropriately deal with the intensity of these emotions.(3)
Transferring Knowledge - It stems from curiosity and the need for independence or a sense of
control can be experimenting with underage consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical intimacy
or teenage pregnancy. Talking to your children will enable them to be informed and will remove
the “taboo” from the topic. 4.Rapport - Communication is the key to developing a rapport,
which results in the child feeling comfortable talking to their parents. Finding the correct balance
between being a friend and a parent is important as this will help develop the required rapport.
5.Trust and Acceptance - Trust is the foundation of any relationship. It is important to accept
teens as they are and to build trust in us. This will help us to trust and accept ourselves as well as
those in their immediate environment. 6. Respect - Teen’s opinion or decisions will enhance
their self-confidence and self-esteem. Most youths’ ability to develop positive self-esteem is
affected by family life and parental criticism. Making respect a mutual virtue will help in
developing a stronger bond between parents and the child. Advances in technology mean today's
teens are facing issues that no previous generation has ever seen. While some issues are not
exactly new, electronic media has changed or amplified some of the struggles young people face.
In conclusion, we can help teens only if we accept them as who they are and with proper
guidance we will help them build their identity.

For the details, insert https://fairygodboss.com/articles/gen-z-statistics