Gen Z
With a future of uncertainty, those born between 1996 and 2012 are on the cusp of adulthood and will soon be making the decisions for our country. Gen Z is the first generation to have an entire database at their fingertips from day one and have utilized it to its full capacity. Predecessors put the world in generation z’s hands, yet now fault them for making use of it.
As children, entertainment typically involved technology. Whether it was a favorite tv show, a video game or music, children of the generation were able to find others they could connect with. The internet was and is an outlet of infinite possibilities and knowledge. On the other hand, those well in their years find new ways to criticize Generation Z on their “attachment” to technology.
Because they grew up with such opportunities, Gen Zer’s are labeled as indolent and materialistic. Remarks from guardians informing them on how technology corrodes their brains and prevents them from living in reality. Could this be true? They were given so much from such a young age and never stopped to question what they were doing. Such things like the correlation between technology and the spike in rates of depression are the subject of many studies on young adults. Those who are heavy users of technology are twice as likely to have low self-esteem and anxiety when compared to light users of technology.
Instead of going straight into defense mode when criticized for technological use, one should try to understand opposing views. Mr. Dycus, choir director, provides an extensive and creative point of view. Dycus is someone who has been here for a long time and someone students look up to and care for deeply. However, choir students especially know of Mr. Dycus’s incredible aversion to phones and devices alike.
When asked why he feels this way, Dycus states “Cell phones, social media, and the internet have turned a great number of young people into arrogant, disrespectful monsters that have no patience, no attention spans, and no creativity.” One example he used was when prompted to complete an assignment a HAVPA student said,” You expect me to think of something to draw? Let me use my phone to find something.” Mr. Dycus says that we have all the knowledge and resources at our fingertips, and we waste this amazing privilege.
As there is for everything, positives and negatives exist in the technology Gen Z has been given. The internet is an outlet for hope, education, spreading awareness, starting movements, making friends, finding love and navigating through life. But many people use this technology to spread hate and misinformation, passing opinions as fact. When exercised correctly, the internet can be a wonderful thing, and Generation Z will continue doing what they do best- innovating.
