“Gen Z is the worst generation who ever existed. Those who completely mess up in their 20s. Have no sense of clarity and purpose—in family, career, relationships, partner choices, and health goals. No mental stability, no trust, no loyalty.” A statement said in this article The Worst Generation That Ever Existed talks about why this generation is so bad. Generation Z (1997-2012) has been surfacing as “the worst generation.” This group has had a higher risk of anxiety and depression compared to any other generation. Different opinions have surfaced about this, with one being, “We are not the worst generation, but still have many problems, we take things too seriously or not seriously enough, and it all leads back to the internet usage,” says a fellow Gen-Z, Avery Shaeffer.
Many of the problems Gen-Z-ers face lie in social media use, economic concerns, poor financial decisions, and job insecurity; many of these surface because this generation had to go through the pandemic and grew up with violence. Research done by newsweek.com states that over half of Gen Z have not felt satisfied with their job placement. 54% intend to quit their job, compared to 30% in 2024. Evidence shows Gen Z prioritizes job enjoyment, while Gen X and Millennials focus on competitive pay and growth opportunities.
Technology use is also one of the main concerns with this generation. 8th Grader Lillian Olound says, “Attachment to social media and the ability to look anything up can lead to issues.” They are also the first generation to grow up with the internet, leading to being called “digital natives.” There are many pros of having the internet at your fingertips, including educational opportunities, global connection, online services, and more. However, with all the pros come even more cons. Some of the disadvantages are fake news, addiction, cyberbullying, stalkers, violent images, spam, hacking, isolation, and more. Being on social media more than the average person can cause a number of problems. From Risks of Technology, some of those problems include reduced physical activity, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and disrupted sleep patterns.
While this generation has some concerns, some argue that Gen Z is smarter than any other generation. Due to growing up with technology, they definitely have a grip on the up-and-coming technology. In a poll done by Retail customer experience, Gen Z consumers are “better educated, more practical, more ambitious, and more skeptical than Millennials.” Mrs. Anne Davisson, a Gen X, says, “I think they’re smarter in some areas and dumber in other areas; they learn about the ways of the world and how people act earlier than I did. Also, now students are very reluctant learners. If they don’t like what is being taught, they don’t have the attention span to learn it, compared to older generations who just did the things they were taught without complaining.”
There are definitely lots of opinions and thoughts about this generation, while none are right or wrong, some viewpoints hold more evidence than others. Gen Z-ers are known for being resourceful, independent thinkers who value diversity. They walk to the beat of their own drum, per se. Some characteristics that they hold are that they have lots of thoughts about nutrition, have big hopes for AI, are keen to travel, prone to anxiety, and appreciate equity.
Gen Z might not be the best generation, but it has definitely left a mark on society. 8th grader Brekkyn Ayres says, “I think this age is a lot different than others for many reasons, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing.” So with all the differences and opinions, is Gen Z actually the worst generation? Well, there is much extensive research to back up both sides, but this age has gone through many things that other generations didn’t have to grow up with. So, with all said, will Gen Z bring the bright future that’s ahead, or will they contribute to a not-so-good upcoming generation?
