Generation Z is the first generation to grow up online, the world is in their pocket or at their desk. Everyone they know is shown through magical boxes, and kids wanted to be in that box.

     As platforms like YouTube and Instagram began to grow, people started to get well known for those things, and now with TikTok,  everyone believes next it could be them to blow up online. 

  As a result, all of the feedback and attention comes from your device – who likes you, who follows you and  people are chasing the idea that this is a career for the rest of their lives.  And this is a dangerous notion. 

     The concept of the influencer – an individual who has made a career about using social media and very directed snippets of information to sell products and services.  This person who is desired and followed has turned into a career.  This career has only been formed and created by Generation Z.  The likelihood of this happening is fairly small.  

     There are so many platforms that are now available for people to seek affirmation and attention.  People create trends to seek validation – sometimes putting themselves at risk in the process.  Case in point – cinnamon challenge, Tide Pod challenge.  People doing these things in the hopes that other people will see them and give them the affirmation they desire – even though it may cause physical harm to their body.

     Generation Z is also the first generation that has never been without the world wide web, has never used a phone with a cord and has never used a floppy disk.

     While we might be the generation with the most access to these kinds of things, it has not come without a cost.  With the internet and high-speed knowledge children now have an “8 second attention span” according to Principles of Community Engagement; Second Edition from the CDC. The concept of the 8 second highly evolved attention span is attributed to this generation.  Because of that, you may no longer be reading this article as it has not piqued your interest enough.

     Even in day-to-day conversations, attention spans can be short causing us to go back to our phone’s vs continuing the in-person conversation.  This is very predominant when you observe a group of teenagers.   Gen Z are seeking attention and information from their phones that they don’t find in personal interactions. 

        Information can spread across the globe in a matter of seconds.    All of this pressure to get to the top of the “likes, followers” and to be known, is creating a culture of perfection and causing people to act and dress in certain ways.  Although all this information that prior generations never had is a gift, it’s also a curse.  The pressure and anxiety on Gen Z’s is so high to conform and get validation from others.