Gen Z: A Dive Inside Their Mind
Gen Z, more like Gen Zion because their minds are on a whole other spiritual plane! 🌀.
As someone who studies behavioral science and behavior, I have to admit something.
Trying to get a solid read on the Gen Z psyche feels like attempting to decipher a meme in Ancient Greek.
Just when you think you’re making progress, they hit you with a fresh new layer of weird, smart on one hand, illogical on the other mindset vibes.
This generation, born between 1997 and 2012, has multiple characteristics.
One minute they’re the ultra-pragmatic, no-nonsense entrepreneurs disrupting industries before they can legally rent a car.
The next, they’re advocating for things that make no sense nor has any positive long-term effect. It’s a constant ideological shapeshifting act.
So how do we even begin to decode the digitally-fueled, threat-accelerated brains of these young conscripts?
I don’t have all the answers, but I do have a few hypotheses from personal observation and some scientific insights that you should know.
And if you’re a Gen Zer, I bet you’re already nodding along and feeling some type of way about these observations.
So, let’s get going and see what basically inside the mind of Gen Z and offer a window to understand this generation better.
The Common Values of Gen Z
Diversity and Multiculturalism for Gen Z
Did You Know? Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history with 48% of Gen Z being non-white.
As a Gen Zer, chances are you’ve grown up around more cultures, races, and ethnic backgrounds than any previous generation.
Diversity is just the norm for you.
While past generations may have seen multiculturalism as something to merely “tolerate“, you embrace it as a simple fact of life.
Gen Z understand that different cultures actually enrich society, rather than divide it.
You’ve likely had friends from all different backgrounds, eaten foods from every corner of the world, and listened to music in multiple languages.
Maybe your own family represents a multicultural mix.
That open-minded perspective is honestly pretty cool.
But it also comes with its challenges.
Previous generations sometimes struggled with insensitivity or discrimination stemming from lack of exposure.
For you, the pitfalls are more about assumptions, stereotyping, or staying in your cultural bubbles.
The key is to approach cultures with curiosity, not assumptions.
Don’t flatten cultures into simplified stereotypes or caricatures.
Ask questions and stay humble about what you don’t know or understand.
Cultures are endlessly complex and nuanced – that’s what makes them so fascinating.
At the same time, recognize that your generation has a unique opportunity and responsibility.
You can help continue building a society that celebrates diversity as a core strength.
Where previous generations sometimes kept cultures segregated, you can be the driving force that integrates diverse perspectives, ideas, and traditions into a beautifully holistic cultural tapestry.
All of these notes have taken place in so many forms now. But there is an issue that must be addressed.
It’s when most of Gen Z try to suppress one segment of the society at the expense of ‘helping or accepting’ another.
We need to start accepting that the idea of telling others that they are victims or oppressed and use their skin color as weapons for segregations, the worst thing would get.
CRT for example is bad in its essence and in advocacy.
Anyway, this is not about politics, but worth mentioning.
Social and Environmental Consciousness
Gen Z cares more about saving the planet than any previous generation.
You were raised facing and hearing apocalyptic headlines about environmental catastrophes.
It’s no wonder social and environmental consciousness is hardwired into your generation’s mindset.
While previous generations could afford to be detached or oblivious at times, you don’t have that luxury (at least that what most activists think).
The crises facing humanity and the planet are staring you straight in the face.
You’ve protested for racial equality, cannon-balled into anti-bullying campaigns, and led the charge for sustainable living.
Yep, you even came up with your own terms and language and adopted many movements. (cancel culture for example).
It isn’t just a meme for you – it’s a way of life.
The same applies for other movements you support or champion like BLM, LGBTQ, and others.
Without delving deeply into these topics, sadly, I saw that Gen Z here fall into two sides in any cause they support:
The side that believes some elite groups have tried to cast doubt and frame climate change (for example) as a hoax to protect their own interests.
And the other side that is totally against that and took things to the edge by blocking the streets, damaging paintings and so on.
The same applies for the supporters and adversaries of BLM, LGBTQ, gun control or possession and others.
It’s tempting to just panic-scroll through it all.
But I noticed as a Millennial that Gen Z has the leading role in voicing out what they believe in regardless of what side they are on.
Hustle and Financial Literacy
I believe Gen Z has changed the way we see work and career growth.
For most of us Millennials, we are all about working with a purpose that drives our actions and all those late-night hours of work.
But Gen Z is flipping the script.
You as a Gen Z are all about that smart hustle – working toward financial freedom, but on your own terms.
Unlike Boomers who worshipped the golden handcuffs of a corporate job due to the cultural mindset at the time, Gen Z are different.
It’s all about building meaningful careers, multiple income streams, and living with intention for you.
You’ve witnessed first-hand how unchecked ambition and workaholism can destroy relationships and mental health.
So you’re determined to pursue something you like over paychecks and prioritize balance from day 1.
It’s no wonder many youngsters now earn 5 to 6 figures working on their side hustles.
I think Millennials and Gen Z are somewhat similar in this regard. But I think there are more Gen Z than Millennials who have a side hustle or a business
You avoid unnecessary student loans or meaningless degrees and you work hard for your money.
And you’re sure as heck going to make it work hard for you too.
Tech-Savviness and Visual Communication
Gen Z, you were born with a smartphone in your hands and tech is probably coded in your DNA.
While older generations are still trying to figure out @hotmail.com email addresses, you came right away swiping on an iPad that made the digital world like second nature to you.
You communicate more through memes, GIFs, and snapping vids than actual words half the time.
Why waste some time when you can convey whole moods with a few emojis? 🙌🔥
I believe the potential to spark movements and initiate social change has never been greater thanks to your tech prowess.
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility to put down the phones occasionally and engage in that thing called IRL interaction. (We Millennials love that variety).
But make no mistake – the technological forces are strong within your generation.
When it comes to hyperconnected, digitally-infused, visually-inclined lifestyles – you’re playing a role in shaping the next stage.
Pragmatism, Flexibility, and Decision-Making Adaptability
Decision-making for Gen Z; is it rationally pragmatic or paralyzed by possibilities?
I have a mixed opinion about this and the research supports that.
As a generation raised with technological disruption and societal issues, Gen Zers have had to cultivate pragmatic decision-making skills.
Your world as a Gen Zer is one of constant change – economic instability, rapidly evolving social norms, and many choices thanks to the internet.
Adapting is essential for survival.
On one hand, Gen Z exhibits an admirable level of rational pragmatism when it comes to decisions.
In my observation, most Gen Z are unsentimental about traditional conventions.
They take a clear-eyed view of situations and pivot based on facts and self-interest.
Ideological purity takes a back seat to what legitimately works for you.
And a good example for that is education.
Gen Z are more pragmatic about higher education choices compared to predecessors.
You think critically about debt and student loan burden versus career prospects.
You might prioritize skills-based alternative education paths if they don’t have a positive cost-benefit for university.
That’s why, online education has been on the rise massively over the past 5 years.
This pragmatism extends to careers too.
Gen Z is open to constant reinvention and course-correcting as industries and opportunities shift.
They have a real appetite for entrepreneurship and self-directed income streams.
However, with all of this good news, there is some potential bad ones.
This same adaptability and flexibility can also manifest as decision paralysis and option overload.
With so many potential choices, committing can be tough.
The deluge of information access and possibilities can make it challenging for Gen Z to gain solid decision-making traction.
So, you as a Gen Z may fall victim to constantly chasing new shiny objects or get sucked into the grind-hustle-FOMO.
You might feel a a risk of forever feeling behind in life without taking a step back to be more self-aware.
Mental Health Advocates
For too long, society has swept mental health issues under the rug and treated them as something to be ashamed of.
But Millennials changed that. And Gen Z is saying “no more” to that noise too.
They’re boldly advocating for mental wellness and hitting the undo button on stigmas.
Surely, there is a good reason for that.
Gen Zers grew up in a world that is constantly perfected through selfies, filters, and Face-tuning.
The pressure to curate a flawless personal brand and life can be overwhelming.
They know first-hand how crushing anxiety, depression, and other mental struggles can be.
Social media has become a powerful tool for Gen Z to rally around de-stigmatizing mental illness.
By courageously sharing their own stories and struggles, they’re showing just how universal and normal mental health challenges are.
This openness fosters open conversations in friend groups and social circles.
And they’re backing up that vulnerability with action.
Gen Zers have been at the forefront of pushing for more robust, accessible mental health services and resources in schools, workplaces, and communities.
They mobilize around causes like funding for mental health nonprofits and crisis hotlines.
As they say through memes and captions – checking in on your #MindYourMind should be as natural as your daily skin-care routine.
Now that’s a vibe that attracts progress for all.
Dating Life in Gen Z Generation
This one deserves an entire blog on its own.
And that’s why you can check these two posts that go into just that.
I warn you, you’ll be surprised by so many things there so get ready!.
You can check both of them below:
Thanks for reading!
If you’re a Gen Z, I’d love to hear your thoughts here.
Have I missed something unaddressed?
Feel free to leave a comment below.
Until next time 🙂
