As a team of millennials, we know what it’s like to be over-analyzed and nit-picked as an entire generation. We know how it feels to be on the receiving end of a fist-shaking, “Kids these days!” We promise you, this blog will not be that. We are thrilled to embrace this younger generation as allies, friends, and peers.
Generation Z and Millennials have a lot in common, already the lines between the two have been blurred by the media, but we have distinct differences. According to the Pew Research Center, Generation Z was anyone born in 1997 or later; instead, Millennials were born between the years 1981 and 1996. So while we share a lot of the same values and ideals, Gen Z has learned from their parent’s mistakes and ours as their elder peers.
While we were formed by 9/11, the war on terrorism, the election of the first African-American President, the Great Recession, and the rise of the global internet, our younger counterparts have grown up during a surge of international terrorism, Trump’s election, Brexit, Social media dominance, YouTube/TikTok explosion, legalization of same-sex marriage and, lest we forget, a global pandemic.
What Can We Learn From Them?
As our younger counterparts face adulthood, they have more knowledge than we did at their age. They have had the distinct perspective of watching the generation before them display their lives on the internet. No other generation has had such a front-row seat to their slightly older peers’ personal triumphs and downfalls. Millennials grew up alongside the world wide web; we remember dial-up, Myspace, and a time before smartphones. Gen Z has had access to all the world’s information at the touch of their fingers from the jump, and you better believe that changes the playing field. So let’s break down the strongest lessons within Generation Z:
Focus on the Green
Gen Z has witnessed the struggles of Millennials post-college graduation; with eyes wide open, they are choosing more often than not to enter the workforce or seek technical schools to achieve financial stability sooner. They are more open to non-traditional ways of making money (i.e., TikTok influencer). Though they, like us, seek to find purpose and fulfillment in their career path, they are not willing to give up financial security to obtain it. Gen Z overall has an authentic, independent, and entrepreneurial focus on career and life goals.
You do You, Boo.
Generation Z has surpassed millennials as being the most ethnically, racially, and sexually diverse generation. They highly value diversity and inclusion, and they aren’t afraid to show their colors. When it comes to morality, Gen Z believes that if it isn’t harming someone else, then go right ahead. “Gen Zers are progressive and pro-government, most see the country’s growing racial and ethnic diversity as a good thing, and they’re less likely than older generations to see the United States as superior to other nations.” according to a Pew Research Center Survey.
Grandpa Knows A Thing Or Two
This may come as a big surprise, but Gen Z often relates very well to their grandparents, Baby Boomers. “There could be many reasons for this, including that both generations tend to desire financial security and thus make similar decisions in pursuit of that. In addition, both generations grew up during periods of rapid social and cultural change.” Gen Z seems to be very adept at learning from older generations and determined to make their path stronger!
What Are They Saying?
We’ve talked about some of the more logical and practical sides of Gen Z, but we don’t know if you know this yet; they are hilarious, creative, and fun! Not only have they revolutionized TikTok content, but they’ve given us some fantastic new slang to throw around and pretend we are not getting old! Reader’s Digest spells out 30 of the most commonly used Gen Z Slang, but here is our FAVS:
No Cap
Cap is another word for lying, so if you are capping, you are lying. No cap directly translates to “No lie”
Example: “I saw Mr. H kissing Ms. L in the stairwell. No cap.”
Bussing
Bussing is a new term to mean “really good” or “amazing,” often used about food.
Example: “This ramen is bussing bussing!”
Drip
An excellent sense of style referring to clothes, demeanor, or general charisma.
Example: “His drip is legendary.”
Pressed
This is a word used to describe being angry or frustrated by something
Example: “What she said really has you pressed, huh?”
High-Key
This phrase is the opposite of low-key. High-key means a proud and robust emphasis on feeling.
Example: “I high-key love your shoes!”
We “understand the assignment” and plan to incorporate all of the new words and phrases into our vocabulary ASAP. We aren’t regular social media strategists; we are COOL social media strategists. We hope you gained a bit of insight into the future leaders of our world reading this while also learning a few new tidbits. Let’s help the next generation succeed as they build for a brighter and better future!